Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 7/29/2007

Question
Since the age of 4 my child has experienced numerous types of tics which have in a sense gradually increased in intensity. First it was the "blinking", then almost rhythmic grabbing of the crotch area, then shoulder shrugging, then it went to finger snapping, then moved into a lip motion (as if he were kissing), to then a grunt noises, and as of this month at the age of 7 he is now almost like a full body spasm as the neck jerks backward while the fingers snap, and limbs (legs and arms) jerk out. He was taken to the Dr.'s by his mother only to be told he has tics which can be helped by a drug called Clonidine. After I received the call from my ex I immediately got online and read up on this drug only to find the list of side effects of this drug I was amazed and honestly SCARED for my son. Already my son takes the following meds for Allergy and Asthma and any side effects those drugs caused this is the BAG of meds that my son hauls to my house when he visits me on the weekends:

- Singulair 5mg Chewable Tabs
-Albuteral Sulfate 8.5gm 2 puffs every 4 hrs
- Qvar 40mcg 2puffs twice daily
- Claritan Once tablet every 24 hrs (2nd tab at night if allergies still bothering him)
- Ethedent (floride) 0.5mg once daily
- Pepto Bismal for upset tummies
- 2 Gummy Vitamins daily

I am already not happy with the amount of prescription drugs my son is on, and I have a feeling that some or even the mixture of these drugs my be the cause for the tics...not a doctor just a father's speculation. Anyhow, is there ANYTHING you can help me with. Alternative meds to introduce to my ex or even info on if the prescribed meds may be the cause of these tics? I read online that MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY may be linked to Tics or that the magnesium antagonists (found in things such as multi-vitamins which my son takes) may also cause tics.

PLEASE HELP.... ANY HELP WILL BE APPRECIATED!!!!

Thanks,
A Concerned Parent

Answer
Hello
Medications may be contributing to the picture, so it might be worth trying natural alternatives for allergies/ asthma, as well as for digestive problems.  Both allergy and asthma are linked to GI function, which can be improved using a hypoallergenic diet.  The Feingold removes all artificial colors, dyes, flavors, preservatives, from the diet, and might be a good place to start.  It is often helpful in neurological disorders such as tics and ADD.  Once the GI system is repaired, that allows for optimal absorption of nutrients.  A magnesium deficiency is very common, and could contribute to tics as well as other symptoms.  Correcting it would entail both increasing food sources and improving digestion, and possibly supplementation.  
Other areas to try would be herbal medicines or constitutional homeopathy, which can be very effective for neurological conditions like this.  To find a practitioner who prescribes these, look for a naturopathic doctor in your area at www.naturopathic.org, or a homeopathic doctor at www.homeopathic.org.  Since both types of practitioners give very individualized care, your son would need to see them in person.  The advantage is that these both can help with other health concerns, since it's a whole person approach.  
Good luck in your search!  Thanks for your question.  
In health,
Dr Conner