Drooping eyelids, sensitivity to sunlight?

[fiveam]

Just thought I would add our experience in regards to sensitivity to light. My son tested very low in his zinc levels and we are currently supplementing. We have been supplementing since November and he is still measuring low so we have recently raised the amount of zinc. We don't know the actual cause of low zinc but at least we know the the cause of the sun sensitivity. It has made a difference in his sensitivity although he still requires sunglasses while outside. Our neurologist told me to make sure he wears "polarized" sunglasses and not the cheap kid glasses because polarized blocks more light. I searched high and low for kid's polarized glasses that didn't cost an arm and a leg and ended up at LL Bean (nice because they will take them back if the break or get scratched!).

 

As an aside, I have always needed sunglasses which I read is common for people with blue eyes. My son's eyes are brown so that rationale didn't work with him though.

 

Fiveam--Our d had huge dilated pupils when in an exacerbation -- for essentially about a year! We asked doctor after doctor about it and got the "may be activation" , "fight or flight" reaction, explanations over and over again.

 

Many Pandas children appear to have this symptom.

 

Justine,

 

You might be right. I was supp'ing Michael w/zinc awhile ago and it really helped w/his appetite...I didn't notice the sensitivity to light part but I'd guess he's zinc deficient....going to get some zinc. Thanks!

[fiveam]

Fiveam--Our d had huge dilated pupils when in an exacerbation -- for essentially about a year! We asked doctor after doctor about it and got the "may be activation" , "fight or flight" reaction, explanations over and over again.

 

Many Pandas children appear to have this symptom.

 

This could be true for us. Haven't ruled out lyme's BUT the bloodtests (CBC) don't really stack up for lymes.

 

Thanks everyone!

[justinekno]

I'm not sure what the amounts are to supplement with but you could ask your dr to run some bloodwork to see if your son is deficient. We supplement with a higher dosage but only under the guidance of our dr. I think zinc is one you have to be careful with as too much can be harmful but then if your deficient, the normal guidelines won't be enough. As an FYI, we use Kirkman's Labs brand because they read pretty clean as opposed to some in the stores.

 

 

 

 

Justine,

 

You might be right. I was supp'ing Michael w/zinc awhile ago and it really helped w/his appetite...I didn't notice the sensitivity to light part but I'd guess he's zinc deficient....going to get some zinc. Thanks!

Edited April 26, 2010 by justinekno

[fiveam]

I'm not sure what the amounts are to supplement with but you could ask your dr to run some bloodwork to see if your son is deficient. We supplement with a higher dosage but only under the guidance of our dr. I think zinc is one you have to be careful with as too much can be harmful but then if your deficient, the normal guidelines won't be enough. As an FYI, we use Kirkman's Labs brand because they read pretty clean as opposed to some in the stores.

 

 

 

 

Justine,

 

You might be right. I was supp'ing Michael w/zinc awhile ago and it really helped w/his appetite...I didn't notice the sensitivity to light part but I'd guess he's zinc deficient....going to get some zinc. Thanks!

 

Justine,

 

I was using kirkman's zinc until I read that the stevia contained antimony! However, that was some months ago...maybe things have changed?

[justinekno]

I buy their capsules which do not contain stevia (even though they say the problem was corrected). I used to open them and put into a smoothie but now my son will just swallow them (they are very small). I read that you should give it either between meals or at bedtime and not at the same time as magnesium, if you give that.

 

Justine,

 

I was using kirkman's zinc until I read that the stevia contained antimony! However, that was some months ago...maybe things have changed?

Edited April 26, 2010 by justinekno

[dut]

Hi - our dd6 got the droopy eyelids during some episodes, the major ones. To me she looked drugged. It would go once the worst of her episode was over....