Tics in children

[moonlight]

My DS10 has a motor tic of moving his mouth often. He does it more when he is nervous, although he is not a nervous kid by nature. He used to do it once in a while, but just over a month ago he got a retainer and he seems to do it more often now. He has gotten into the habit of playing with the retainer with his tongue. It is definitely a motor tic, but not tourettes. I know that tics are hereditary. I used to have the same thing as a teen and even as old as my twenties. I didn't do anything about it and while it annoyed my mom, it didn't affect me in any other way...

 

Are there any natural remedies, tricks or tips that I an try with him just to nip it in the bud if possible. Otherwise, I know it will be a matter of waiting it out...

 

Thanks...

[*********]

Zee was diagnosed with Transient Tic Disorder when he was, oh, about 4. he seems to be outgrowing it now, and he's almost 10; he hasn't had a tic in a year or so.

 

In all my reading, I've never found anything that is really supposed to help besides ignoring it/not drawing attention to it.

 

Zee's had some super irritating tics. And he went through phases where he had multiple tics at the same time. There were days I was honestly doubting the pediatrician's assurances that he'd likely grow out of it. But even then, it was extremely rare for anyone who didn't live in our house to ever even notice one of his tics.

[molon labe]

Several years ago I had researched this subject extensively when my ds started with facial tics. I learned that a magnesium deficiency is often the cause. Supplementing with magnesium helped my ds tremendously and I can tell now when he is low as the facial tic and/or teeth grinding starts just out of the blue. Supplementing with magnesium always ends the facial tic pretty quickly.

 

Oral supplementation of magnesium can lead to loose stools-bowel tolerance can be increased slowly. I prefer epsom salt in the bath-1 cup to every 6 inches of hot water (not uncomfortably hot, but very warm) and soak for 20-30 minutes. The body will absorb whatever is needed and will reach it's ideal magnesium level with just a few days. One warning with epsom salt baths-most people will be relaxed and somewhat sleepy after an epsom salt bath so it is best done at night, but for a very small number of people excitability can result.

 

Good luck.

[moonlight]

Thanks Bethany and molon labe!

 

I will get started on the magnesium right away as we were taking it before, but have definitely slacked off in the last couple of months or so...

 

He used to grind his teeth when he was younger, but it is not something we have noticed in the last few years...I never thought of teeth grinding as a tic, probably cause e only did it in his sleep...

 

[lailasmum]

My dd has several tics that come and go. I will try the magnesium thing and see if it helps. It's currently blinking and occasionally head nodding.

[Ravin]

My DD has tics, which got better for a while when she started her anxiety meds, but have gradually come back (followed by other anxiety symptoms, which became noticeable in the weeks right AFTER a med check). Don't know what causes it; the psych and fam doc both don't seem to think it's a big deal, and I definitely notice more than other people.

[Evergreen State Sue]

When we went to a neurologist about my son's tics, he talked directly to my son and said if they ever bothered him (emphasis on him, not bothered other people), then there was medication he could take. The doctor wanted to make sure he could get some help if he needed. They didn't bother my son, so he never took anything for them. I thought this was good advice. Sometimes we feel bad because we want them to be "normal" and not stand out. It made me think that the more I would draw attention to his tics, maybe it would make him feel bad. His tics have dimenished over time. He probably still has them, but aren't as noticeable.