The Association for Comprehensive NeuroTherapy (ACN) has just released "Finding Triggers for Tics," new information for people suffering with Tourette Syndrome.
Sheila Rogers, head of the non-profit ACN says, "The incidence of Tourette syndrome has increased significantly during the past two decades. In a recent study in Rochester, New York, one out of four students in special education classes had a tic-related disorder. Over 18% of the regular classroom students exhibited tics."
Specializing in complementary approaches to Tourette syndrome, ACN has collected information from over 300 physicians, families, and patients, on environmental factors that can aggravate or trigger tics. The list includes specific toxins, stimulants, allergens, foods, and conditions reported to increase symptoms in some cases. "Finding Triggers for Tics," is featured in the latest edition of the organization's magazine, Latitudes, and is available at: http://www.latitudes.org/articles/finding_triggers.htm.
According to Rogers, people dealing with Tourette syndrome have been reporting environmental triggers for over 25 years, but the conventional medical community has shown little interest. A ground-breaking study in 2001 proved that even modest increases in room temperature could trigger Tourette syndrome symptoms.
Dr. Albert Robbins, an environmental allergist in Boca Raton, Florida, says "Given that drug intervention is often not successful for Tourette syndrome, it is important for families and doctors to be aware of all environmental factors that could be impacting symptoms."
For the complete article: http://www.latitudes.org/articles/finding_triggers.htm. For a graphic on triggers and a photo of Sheila Rogers: http://www.latitudes.org/media/1.htm. For more information about ACN and Latitudes, visit their website: www.latitudes.org.
References
T Hyde and D Weinberger, "Tourette syndrome: a model neuropsychiatric disorder," Journal of the American Medical Association, February 1995
Scahill L, Lambroso PJ, Mack G, Van Wattum PJ, Zhang H, Vitale A, Leckman JF, "Thermal sensitivity in Tourette syndrome: preliminary report." Perceptual Motor Skills, 2001 Apr;92(2):419-32.
Kurlan R, et al, Prevalence of tics in school children and association with placement in special education, Neurology 2001 Oct 23;57(8)1383-8.
Hornse H, Banerjee S, Zeitlin H, Robertson M. The prevalence of Tourette syndrome in 13- and 14-year olds in mainstream schools. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2001 Nov;42(8):1035-9.
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