Tourette’s is not a drug deficiency. The modern standard of treatment involves potent drugs: Haloperidol, pimozide, and fluphenazine, for example. The side effects are daunting and it is often difficult to stop taking them. Drugs are for symptoms control and are not for a cure.
Tourette’s is a syndrome, meaning a set of symptoms for which there is no known specific cause. It isn’t a disease and it is unlikely that it is caused by viruses or molds. However, any infection or inflammation can trigger a single event or even start a cascade of symptoms that may not stop on their own.
Tourette’s sufferers are wise to be searching for approaches that improve neurological situations without drugs. Although there isn’t a single mixture of supplements that will relieve the symptoms, such a search is the better path for discovering relief without drugs.
B vitamins are directly associated with muscle activity, especially B6 and B12 (the methylcobalamin version). A quality mixture of B vitamins would be a start. There are several good brands. Ortho Molecular makes a quality product.
Magnesium is necessary for muscle activity. It relaxes muscle and can quiet tics. Common magnesium supplements that contain magnesium oxide are mostly useless because the magnesium doesn’t end up in the bloodstream. Magnesium maleate, or aspartate are better. The most bothersome side effect of any quality magnesium supplement is loose stools. One magnesium supplement most often ignored is magnesium sulfate, common Epsom Salt. When dissolved in water and applied to the skin (soak or compress) the magnesium is actually absorbed into the bloodstream. That’s why Epsom salt soaks are great muscle relaxers. It isn’t necessary to apply the soak directly on the muscle involved. It seems odd, but a 15-minute foot soak a couple time a week can supply enough magnesium to support muscle activity throughout the body, even the face.
Magnesium spray can be applied and rubbed in. It will feel oily, but it is a solution of magnesium in water.
There’s no denying tics are real. They occur when the sufferer is sleeping and not under voluntary control, but it is worth considering that repeated tic reactions can become a habit. In addition to muscle support, it might be a good effort to try non-invasive approaches. Meditation comes to mind, even focused deep breathing with controlled inhale/exhale cycles. When the person becomes aware that the activity is escalating, they can take a couple deep cleansing breaths, with rapid exhaling. Then a controlled inhale through nose for a count of seven, pause for a count of one, then slow exhale through the mouth for a count of seven, pause again, then repeat. Slow and steady is important. Focus is on the breathing. In fact giving attention to the tic supports it by making the breathing counterproductive.
There ought to be an external clue to let the person know the activity needs attention; a trigger word from a parent or sibling, not from those who aren’t close. When the agreed trigger is heard, the person takes a couple cleansing breaths and starts the slow-breathing.
Some involuntary motions can be blocked by employing a counter-irritant. A stuttering friend gave hour-long talks when he pressed his fingernail into the knuckle joint of his thumb while he spoke.
Inflammation can be a physical trigger for tics. It is a tough one because it means avoiding substances that cause inflammation: Sugar, processed foods, wheat products, and some vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplant.
A final thought is gut health. Everyone should be taking a good probiotic supplement daily on an empty stomach. When there is imbalance in the gut the body fails to absorb the necessary nutrients.
Look at diet, meditation, supplements, even exercise, before turning to a prescriptions drug.
Larry Frieders is a pharmacist in Aurora who had a book published, The Undruggist: Book One, A Tale of Modern Apothecary and Wellness. He can be reached at
thecompounder.com/ask-larry or www.facebook.com/thecompounder.
