Constant eye blinking only symptom, but possibility of Tourettes?

[Intothenight]

Hi there,

I'm an 18 year-old male University student, and recently became interested in Tourette's Syndrome after watching a TV show that covered the topic. I immediately went on Wikipedia and did some research about it, and I noticed that a common symptom was more than usual eye blinking. Ever since I was young, I would blink more than other people would. It usually doesn't inhibit my learning, however, sometimes my eyes get so twitchy and blink uncontrollably that I cannot focus. I'm also afraid of eye contact with people because I'm afraid I'll just blink a lot and they'll get the feeling I am irritated at them, so it seems to be affecting me socially. Is there a possibility I have some mild form of Tourettes and there is no way I can control it?

Thanks for your help

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Do your eyes blink more when stressed or does it occur at any time? Are there any other symptoms?

What you may be experiencing are motor tics which are repetitive, stereotyped, sudden, nonrhythmic movements. Tic disorders can be mild to severe (as in Tourette's syndrome) and are usually exacerbated in times of stress. The tics are usually present during childhood and is more pronounced during the teen years, but usually lessens or even resolves completely after that period.

There is no standard treatment for tics, and it is only when the tics are severe and interfering with daily life activities that treatment is even considered. If you are having difficulty because of your tics, you could consult your physician regarding this. Alternatively, if your tics are brought about by stress or anxiety, you could also talk to a therapist which could help in stress management.

Hope this helps.

[Intothenight]

I don't think my 'tics' are severe enough to consider treatment, but they are incredibly irritating especially when I'm in a social environment and all I can think about is people noticing my problem (which just makes me tic even more, so this is a good indication that when I'm stressed the tics are more frequent). Also during exams (like now), I tend to get tics so often and I'm just so tense that I talk very quickly and stutter... this is only when I'm stressed. Could the stuttering and eye-twitching be related in some way?

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Based on your presentation, the stuttering and eye twitching would more likely be independently related to stress, than to each other.

It seems talking with a counselor or therapist might really help you manage stressful situations and would probably help in lessening these irritating symptoms you experience.

Good luck.

[Carol in PA]

In my reading, I've found information that magnesium and omega-3's (fish oil) can help alleviate Tic Disorder.
I googled to find a reference to show you, and found this:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031025/msgs/273818.html

Wishing you the best,
Carol