Facial tics

[Kelly12368]

My 4 1/2 year old son has developed facial tics in the past three months.  It started shortly after swimming lessons started (which he hated) AND after getting all his shots (6) for kindergarten.  I am writing because another mother wrote about the exact same symptoms.  His pediatrician is great, she diagnosed transcient facial tic and said nothing to really do.  His gymnastics coach has Tourrette's Syndrome and (while not trying to diagnose my son) recommended he have a more comprehensive evaluation by a specialist.  A clinicial psychiatrist also recommended a more comprehensive evaluation to rule out neurological problems.  I don't want to OVERREACT OR UNDERREACT.  I don't know what to do.  I am not looking to medicate my son.  I don't know what to do.


This discussion is related to 41/2 year old begin facial tics: eye blinking .

[malgosia50]

Hi, my son developed tics when he was 8yrs old, he is now 18 and 'tic' free. I watched my son carefully every day. I notice when a new tic emerges. I notice when an old tic disappears. I notice when the tics escalate and when they subside. We have learned that certain things exacerbate her tics: stress, lack of sleep, food additives (artificial colors, etc.). If certain things can exacerbate her tics, it seems logical to me that the tics are her body’s way of calling for help. We took him to several doctors but nothing helped really. I started reading about the condition more and more and  found that certain foods etc can make the situation worse. Please try Magnesium as its essential for the TRANSMISSION OF NERVE IMPULSES of nerve impulses and also has a structural role in the body, High magnesium foods include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, beans, whole grains, avocados, yogurt, bananas, dried fruit, dark chocolate, and more. Also get a Nutribullet and prepare smoothies if your kids don't like fruit or veg. its a good way to get the 5 a day into them! a popular one with us is Organic carrots, apples and handful of kale, squeeze a bit of lemon juice to add flavour! Leave out all fizzy drinks pls. My sons has been tic free now for 7 years but he had them for 2 years. Don't worry, she should grow out of it. Oh yes, we did training exercise as well. All the best. xx

[concerned2377]

same thing happened to both of my boys. I am so upset!

[Kelly12368]

The tics are pretty consistent.  They get worse when he is around a lot of people/noise or when he is tired.  If he is "doing something" and moving around, i don't notice them as much as when he is sitting and watching, or listening to something.  They change a lot and last night I noticed more prolonged blinking with kind of an eye roll, where before it was just blinking really hard or fast.  After looking at Tourette Syndrome Association website and speaking to a couple people with TS, I am definitely requesting a referral to a specialist in tic disorders/TS because there are some ritualistic/OCD behaviors as well.  He may or may not have TS, but I want to know the truth so I can best help my son.  The problem is, it's easy to say don't make a big deal about it, but when it's your child, and you know the hardships that can come with other children being cruel when someone is different, it is hard.  I can't forget them when I see them all the time.  But thanks for your response.  

[margypops]

Has he got them all the time or only at certain times?As the tics appeared when he was doing something he hated and shots arent fun are they, perhaps there is some underlying Anxiety, dont make a big deal of it, kind of forget  them and see if they are still as bad,dont let him hear you discuss it with anyone else ,do that when hes not around, and of course if you are really concerned another oppinion wont  hurt.at the Docs .