The Correlation Between Tic Disorders and Allergy
Editor: Earlier this year we published a premium Latitudes.org article on a new study that confirmed a connection between allergy and tic disorders. A number of people asked if we could include it as a regular article, with no subscription required.
We have posted a similar version of our report below.
We would also suggest that readers do the following search on Latitudes.org to learn more and read first-hand insights from parents: Search Tourette syndrome allergy or tics allergy. Also, members can search on the Forums where there is a wealth of information.
Here’s recap of the article under discussion:
For decades, a connection between tic disorders and allergy has been reported by families, physicians, and researchers. The connection has been a focused message of Latitudes.org since the inception of this website. Yet, there has been a disturbing pattern that the topic garners little interest among neurologists and scientists. The number of researchers examining this critical link remains very limited.
A new study published this year involved a review of prior research: “The correlation between tic disorders and allergic conditions in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies” in Frontiers in Pediatrics, March 20, 2023. We encourage those interested to read the full journal report here.
Authors verify the allergy-tic connection:
An excerpt from the journal article under discussion:
In recent years, the incidence of tic disorders has been rising worldwide. Tic disorders cause great distress to affected children and their parents. At present, the etiology and pathogenesis of tic disorders in children are not fully understood, but these disorders are usually considered to be related to genetic, environmental, psychological, and immune factors.
Through vast clinical experience, we have observed that children with tic disorders tend to have concurrent allergic conditions, therefore, investigating the correlation between tic disorders and allergies may be helpful for the prevention and management for tic disorders.
Types of allergy with a proven connection to tics based on studies to date
The meta-analysis revealed that the allergic conditions associated with tic disorders were
eczema
allergic conjunctivitis
food allergy
allergic rhinitis (sneezing, nose congestion, etc.)
asthma
