Hi All!

I am the Mom of a 15 yr old daughter, Annie, with Tourette's. We've been dealing with tics for a little over a year now and are learning everything we can. I am glad to have discovered this forum while "researching".

After an unsuccessful trial of clonadine, Annie is now taking topamax. We're not sure if it's helping yet.

Meanwhile we're exploring options for natural treatments with the help of a functional medicine practicioner. Just today we received the results of numerous lab tests for metal toxicitity, nutritional deficiencies, food allergies, and other metabolic factors. Bottom line is that she has very high allergen levels for dairy, wheat/gluten/rye/gliadin, eggs, peanuts, soy and a fructose sensitivity. That's pretty much accounts for the majority of her diet. So major changes to her diet are the next step. The amazing thing is other than the nuerological issues, she has not exhibited any digestive symptons I would have expected.

I'm sure we'll have lots of questions along the wayand hopefully some learnings to share.

hi trylady and welcome

I know of a number of kids whose tics have resolved once the dietary allergens are removed so hope you will see much improvement for your child

we have been on a natural treatment protocol (healthy diet free of artificial additives, specific supplements, acupuncture, chiropracty etc) for 8 years and my son is doing so much better than when he was on medications for his tics and OCD

have you heard of the book by Sheila Rogers Tics and Tourette’s: Breakthrough Discoveries in Natural Treatments
It is an excellent reference, with research information,on alternative ways to help with TS

Sheila has also written a helpful article on Finding Triggers for Tics that followed an informal survey
You will see that food & environmental allergens seem to be a big trigger for many!

I have a thread here documenting what we did to help my son's TS go from very severe to relatively mild with natural treatments
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread1145.html


I look forward to hearing your feedback on how dietary modifications are helping your child! I think you will see a big difference

Thanks for the encouragement Chemar.

I will check out the thread documenting your son's thread. We'd sure be happy with mild tics and no meds!

Yes I have read Shiela Rogers book. In fact, the information it contained was my motivation to explore triggers and natural treatment options.

Hi trylady!!! Glad you found us!!!

Good luck with your daughter's diet change -- hope it helps!!!

Hi Trylady

I'm also a new member--if you need anything, let me know--we newbies gotta stick together!

Good luck with your daughter's treatment!

Hello trylady, I'm pleased you found us too. It's so lovely to meet you.

I see you've found our Tourette's Forum but do have a look around some of the others as well, and don't forget to let us know if there's anything we can help you with.