Alternative and Complementary Therapies
In response to a lot of interest in this area, I thought it may be helpful to devote a page to relevant information. If anyone has any info or links - please let me know.
I do not endorse any particular therapy, product or information. It is sound advice to seek medical opinion prior to starting any alternative or complemetary therapy.
Dr David Comings Discussions at AST and MGH Nicotine Vitamins and Food Supplements Cannabis Other TSA Resources Links Alternative sites non-specific to TS
Dr David Comings MD has a chapter called "Non-Prescription Medications" in his book "Tourette Syndrome and Human Behavior". (available from Amazon.com in USA) He discusses:
Diet - particularly in relation to ADHD. In some children hyperactivity has been decreased by avoiding: sugar, simple carbohydrates, food preservatives, food colouring, dairy products, chocolate and tomatoes. They can be part of a standard food allergy elimination diet, or many of them have been incorporated into the Feingold diet.
Amino Acids - Dr Comings discusses the pros and cons of each of the following: tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine.
Vitamins - B6 (pyridoxine) seems to be the most important in TS. Trials were negative on B6 affecting tics, although some people believe it helps.
Amino Acids & Vitamins - Nicotinamide and tryptophan (together) may be helpful but results are mixed. Vitamin B6 and tryptophan (together) - potentially useful but untested.
Over the counter Medicines - Dr Comings reports that a few parents have found some of these medicines beneficial - others found they made no difference. I am reluctant to name the medicines - particularly as one is known to be dangerous when given to children. I strongly believe that these preparations only be used in consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable medical practitioner.
Symptom Substitution - Dr Comings writes that it is possible to eliminate a particularly unpleasant symptom by replacing it with a more acceptable one. An example given is snapping fingers instead of spitting.
The TSA UK supply a Complementary Therapies information pack available for £3. It contains information about various alternative remedies including nutritional elements, dietary and vitamins (accompanied by relevant literature) The Pack is available from Chris Mansley - please e-mail him at enquiries@tsa.org.uk Well worth the investment - it also includes information about conventional treatment.
Discussions at Alt.Support.Tourette
Recent AST Discussions - you can search for anything in search box at top of page
Discussions at MGH Forum:
Recent Discussions Old MGH Forum archive Search for messages at MGH
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News about various alternative treatments for TS at Latitudes inc. algae, amino acids, biofeedback etc etc |
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Articles on alternative TS treatments at Latitudes |
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Non-Medication Management of TS - at Tourette Syndrome Plus |
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Nutritional Supplementation and TS (Latitudes) |
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Case Report on Amino Acids (Latitudes) |
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TS and Lab Tests (Latitudes) |
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Environmental Triggers of TS - survey at Latitudes |
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Bonnie Grimaldi Vitamin Regime & Hypothesis |
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Cheryl George's site e-mail Chreyl from her site for info about an additional supplement called BarleyGreen. Althought her site specifies ADHD, she also has success using the supplements for her daughter who has TS |
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Feingold Diet specifically for ADHD and allergies |
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Other (TS related)
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UK TS Discussion Forum inc messages re alternative treatments |
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New TS drug awaits study TSA USA |
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Alternative sites non-specific to TS
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Natual Woman - info re alternative products, vitamins, minerals, herbs etc |
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ThinkNatural.com UK Online Shop |
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Positive Health Shop, articles etc |
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Natural Medicine categorised links to many other sites |
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Self-Worth.com Self-Esteem |
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Dr Stoll - Info about combining conventional & alternative medicine |
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