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Help son with tics

Posted By Theresa (San Diego, Ca) on 11/22/2012

Hi, my son has had motor tics (eye blinking, neck to chest, shoulder twitch) on and off since he was 7 (he's 17 now). There is no known cure and it is caused by a disconnect of the nerves (synapsis). Some call it Tourette's Syndrome, but it actually isn't (Tourette's is both motor and verbal). It is hereditary, and more common in males as you probably know. Stressful situations seem to make the tics happen more frequently. We have tried medications (guanfacine and _) which did not help. I brought him to a habit reversal therapist who diagnosed him as having an "overactive brain" meaning he needs more stimuli than most people to function normally. I've read recently hypnosis and magnesium help. Any input is appreciated.

Replied by Citizen (Amsterdam, Netherlands) on 11/22/2012

I remember reading years ago that tics are a result of an extreme zinc deficiency... maybe muscle testing will help determine this....

Replied by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 11/22/2012

Hi Theresa, I found what you had to say about your son quite interesting. My son began to show tics at about 7 as well. I always thought it was interesting because they would change over time- from one tic to a different one. He was very different as a person but I never thought of anything as a disorder but rather, that he was unusual. Socially, I could see he felt awkward often but I worked to help him integrate.

The tics seem to heighten when he felt stressed. I noticed that they wouldn't be quite as apparent when he'd done a lot of physical exercise. He was an avid rollerblade hockey player in his youth and then at about 10 became intensely interested in skateboarding. He was always an exceptional student and as your therapist said, I think he always had an "overactive brain" and has always needed a lot of stimuli both physically and mentally.

At any rate, he is now 27, has been happily married to a very wonderful young woman who is gentle and sensitive and he is now at UCLA studying English as his major. He helps run a very successful skateboarding company in charge of both media and sales. All of us who are family and close friends see his tics as just part of his package and we have all learned to laugh about them, including himself.

Anyway, I just thought I'd give you this input- just be there in support of him and help him to learn to be comfortable with himself. He will be fine. Best to you, Lisa

Replied by Tapike (San Augustine, Texas) on 11/25/2012

If there is a disconnect between the synapses in the brain, it could be because the nerves are not getting the proper nutrition. There are some good herbal nerve formulas (usually in tincture form) available to take internally & to massage in at the base of the brain. Several well-known herbalists have such formulas available (tho you can make your own). I won't mention names, but formulas by J. R. C. & R. S. are supposed to work very well.

There are other herbs & supplements that are supposed to help improve brain functioning & they may help to correct the "imbalance" your son has.

You might also try other forms of therapy such as brain entrainment (several forms are available including combinations) which consist of regularly listening to special CDS or MP3s.

Electronic Rife treatments may also help to relieve the tics & correct the "imbalance. " There are several low cost alternatives available using the Rife treatments, without having to purchase one of the over-priced machines sold online.

I will also mention magnetic treatment as another alternative, but please take the time to read up on this & other natural treatments from a variety of written sources & don't rush into anything.

I know a young man locally who has suffered tics for a long time. I noticed that he also suffered from a very bad case of acne, especially on his back & shoulders. He grew up on a farm, working in chicken houses. I've never approached him about it, but I've always had a feeling that the reason for his tics could possibly be due to some type of contamination his body picked up working in the chicken houses & that the severe acne he had might be some type of reaction of the body trying to get rid of the contaminaton, just as the tics were a reaction.

So, you might also check with a naturopath or allergist to rule out substances that could cause severe allergic reactions such as a tic. This should include both food & environmental substances.

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