Tourette
Syndrome Alternative Treatments
It
should be noted that there is not any peer reviewed scientific evidence,
yet, of success with "alternative therapies" for Tourette
Syndrome. Even results of behavioral therapy are unclear long-term,
and are going to be studied on a well-designed TSA grant possibly
starting in 2004.
Alternative
(or complementary) therapies for Tourette Syndrome, including herbal
medicines, vitamin & mineral supplements, other nutritional
supplements, and behavioral therapies are becoming increasingly
popular. It can be difficult to compare them to more conventional
therapies for Tourette Syndrome (pharmacological and psychological
therapies), because little formal research has been done on alternative
therapies. However, this is starting to change, so new information
is coming out all the time for alternative treatments for Tourette
Syndrome.
Alternative
treatments should always be used as complementary therapy - not
as a substitute - to traditional medical treatments. Consult with
your Dr. before adding or changing to any alternative treatment
for Tourette Syndrome.
Mind-Body
Treatments
Mind-body
treatments can help individuals with Tourette Syndrome to manage
pain, relax tics, obsession and compulsions, help concentration,
can contribute to a sense of well-being, and can give individuals
a sense of control over a situation where, in medical terms, they
have little or no control. There is, however, no proof that these
therapies can undo any neurological conditions associated with Tourette
Syndrome.
Mind-body
treatments include:
•
Biofeedback
• Cognitive behavior therapy
•
Guided imagery
• Hypnotherapy
• Sound / music therapy
• Relaxation techniques
• Massage
• Reflexology
• Cranial / sacral therapy
• Prayer and meditation
• Aromatherapy
• Acupuncture & Acupressure
• Chiropractic
•
Postural therapies and exercises such as the Alexander technique,
the Feldenkrais method, and the Trager method, as well as Tai Chi,
can help an individual concentrate on choreographed body movements,
prove relaxing, and provide a low-intensity physical workout.
•
Eastern treatments such as acupuncture
and acupressure can be used. But Chinese herbal treatments,
and naturopathic or homeopathic treatments, are not recommended
by medical doctors.
Dietary,
Nutritional, and Supplemental Treatments
According
to the FDA, a dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco)
that is intended to supplement the diet; contains one or more dietary
ingredients (including vitamins; minerals; herbs or other botanicals;
amino acids; and other substances) or their constituents; is intended
to be taken by mouth as a pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid; and
is labeled on the front panel as being a dietary supplement.
•
Vatamins and Minerals
• Herbal
• Other Botanicals
•
Amino Acids
• Fatty Acids
•
Diet
• Allergies
• Naturopathic and Homeopathic
Other
Substances
•
Nicotine and Tobacco
• Marijuana
•
Treatments for Tourette
Syndrome
•
Medications
for Tourette Syndrome
•
Progressive Treatments
for Tourette Syndrome
