11 year old daughter with tics...

[Shanndela]

My daughter is 11 years old and she is in the 6th grade.  About three months ago she began a tic.  She rotates her wrists and pinches her fingers together.  Before this tic she had what I now think were other tics.  She used to pick her rear, like her underwear were riding up.   I thought maybe she was having discharge and it was feeling wet so she was picking, but she said it wasn't wet (I started checking her underwear when I washed them and I didn't notice anythign on them).  I asked her if she itched down there and she said no.  She wasn't sure why she was "picking".  We then thought it was simply a habit because she did it like every few minutes if she was not sitting. We had her wear her PJ's without any underwear during the evenings and she still did the motion of picking her seat even with nothing to pick.  This lasted about 4 months.  After we realized there were no issues, or an infection or anything, we just stopped talking to her about it.  Then all of a sudden it just stopped.  We think it stopped when she got a cold and had a cough that lasted months.  It was just a small cough and it even wouls interrupt into her speech.  When she was asleep it would go away, so we just thought it was a habit cough.  When that went away is when she started the wrist movements.

I have heard that tics can come when there is trauma or big stresses in a childs life.  The only thing that has changed in her life is she is now in junior high.  She has fantastic friends and has only had one incident all year when someone has teased her (I wish my sixth grade year was that smooth).  She tries really hard to get good grades, so this could be a stress in her life.  My husband and I are happily married, so there are no issues in the home that I can think that would be stressing her out.  We have a "girl chat" each night before bed and she hasn't mentioned anything out of the ordinary at school.  So, I am a bit at a loss.  Could it simply be going to junior high and all that comes with that?

I am not sure at this point if I should look more into this.  She does it mostly when she is nervous.  I notice it more when she has a basketball game and she was just in a school play and it was almost constant.  She has said that nobody has said anything to her about it at school, and she says she doesn't even notice it when she does it.  It does not appear to be affecting her in a negative way at this point, but I am just worried that if will become something that she will struggle with, if her peers start to tease her.  It is becoming more frequent and she now even does it if there is something in her hand.

If anyone else has any experience with this, I would love some help.  I don't want her to become concerned with it because I fear that will make it worse.  Is there anything natural I can give her to help?  

Thanks for your help!!

[medicmommy]

Hello. Unless she has had a number of vaccinations that have had thimerasol (mercury derivative) as a preservative, it is doubtful. Heavy metal toxicity (mercury, lead, aluminum, etc.) can lead to neurological problems with seizure disorders and developmental problems at the top of the list. This is just my opinion, and I would strongly recommend you research farther but, I would hold off having her get the Guardisil vaccination for several years. I say this because I have seen many young girls have seizures, stroke-like symptoms, blood sugar problems, brain injuries, and one death within a few days of getting this shot. Of course, the companies and doctors who make money off of the vaccine will try to convince you it is safe, but read the information inserts on all the vaccines you or a family member is about to receive (under risks/ side effects) so you can make an informed decision on what is worth the risk and what is not.
I'm afraid this doesn't answer your question very well, but if you think you daughter is suffering from heavy metal toxicity, a licensed Naturopath can provide chelation therapy (leaches the metals out of the fat cells and body tissues) to rid the body of it. I hope this information helps. I would still have her see a neurologist and have some blood work done as well as an EEG and possibly an MRI...Good luck and I hope it is something minor...(((((((((((HUGZ))))))))~MM

[Shanndela]

You know, I just thought about something.  She had a flu shot this year.  It is the first one she has had.  Could that have an effect?  Could that be a trigger?

[Shanndela]

She hasn't seen a neurologist.  I wasn't sure if that was necessary, but I think I am going to make an appointment.  She hasn't been vaccinated since she was 5, so I don't think that is it.  However, she is supposed to get a few here soon (by age 12).  should I be concerned that this can make it worse?

He wrist movement is almost constant now.  I have not noticed any other tics, but I will try to record the ones she has.  Most people don't notice it because her hands are usually at her side.  She says she doesn't even notice it lol.  When she first started she said it felt like her muscle needed to be stretched and that the movement made it feel better.

[medicmommy]

Has your daughter seen a neurologist? I've seen focal seizures that behave similarly to these "tics" you describe. Also, have you noticed if they worsen after her vaccinations? If so, there may be a connection there...Good luck. I also have an 11 year old daughter, and her social world is everything to her right now...~MM

[Shanndela]

Doesn't tourrettes syndrome usually have one other tic or a vocal one?  She only has the one.  Is there a test that can determine if it is tourettes?

[jme3510]

Have you heard of Tourrette Syndrome? It causes tics. She probably has had other symptoms earlier in life- and yes- stress plays a huge roll in this. I have 2 Nephews with it. There are medications that can help relax the tics and in some cases- take care of them.. I would take her in and talk to the Doctor about this. She may be able to control this at schoool because of the embarrassment, but unconsiously. Think of it this way- if she had a class involving relaxation- she may become comfortable enough to place herself in an embarrassing situation. To avoid this embarrassment - take her in. Life is hard enough for the young. She may feel comfortable at home, enough to act out, whereas at school, she must learn control. If she can do this at school- it's probably psycological. Behavior therapy might be a relief for both of you.