My 11 year old is starting to have tourettes related tics. What kind of doctor should I take him to, and what can be done? Thanks!
2007-01-04 15:57:49 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Get a referral from your child's regular doctor or your family physician to a Pediatric Neurologist.
Tourettes is lifelong and there is not a cure. There are medicines if you choose to go this route. The medicines work differently for everyone. Unfortunately, you'll have to use the trial-and-error method to find what works for your child. Medicines can only decrease the severity of the tics and/or vocal tremors. There is not "one" test for Tourettes. It is diagnosed by observation and oral history.
If you can, casually video tape your child when the tics are very obvious. We did this in case the tics were not present at the prescribed day and time of the appointment. This information will help in the diagnosis. Take notes of the tremors. Take your husband with you to the Neurologist.
And above all, don't worry. Having a child with Tourettes is not the worst thing in the world. This will become apparent as you spend time in a Pediatric Neurology waiting room. My son is loving, kind, artistically gifted, plays chess, builds complex Lego sets and makes stop-motion animation movies on his iMac. He has homework and chores, just like everybody else. He is allowed to tic at home without comment from others. He is loved and accepted. Tourettes is a very small part of who he is. Stress increases tics. Providing a stress-free (as much as possible!), loving home is your best bet.
Best wishes for a good outcome. Please feel free to contact me through this site. Check my many best answers on this subject.
2007-01-06 15:54:26 · answer #1 · answered by Juliart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know, the tics should be there for a while before you can assume that there's anything to worry about. But get expert advice from a child psychologist asap. Try to find one who specializes in Tourette's if possible. There's no harm in it, and you'll feel better if you know.
2007-01-04 16:11:51 · answer #2 · answered by Amelie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, my brother has tourettes and we go to a pediatric neurologist and also a developmental pediatrician. They both have lots of experience with children with special needs like tourettes, add, learning disabilities, etc. Good Luck!
2007-01-04 16:09:03 · answer #3 · answered by littledeaftink 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Neurologist, I believe they can in extreme cases perform brain surgery to correct this problem but I think maybe a low does of medication or/and psychiatry may be necessary.
2007-01-04 16:09:14 · answer #4 · answered by bdat40oz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have toourettes and theres nothing you can do about it except take Meds to make it slow. But other than that you cant really train yourself to stop. Its hard trust me.
2007-01-06 05:23:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your child's pediatrician should be able to determine if there's actually something wrong with him. If there is, then he/she should be able to refer you to a specialist. Good luck!
2007-01-04 16:03:02 · answer #6 · answered by Terry N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ha thats funny.
2007-01-04 16:04:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋