When someone talks about what causes TS, they’re usually referring to the underlying genetic factors that lead a person to be born with it. But when a person talks about what triggers a tic, that’s entirely different. They want to know the proximate or immediate cause of a tic.
So what does trigger tics? Do any patterns exist, or is it different for everyone? Well, to start with, it’s helpful to divide tic triggers into three categories: environment, ingested or dietary items, and mood/feelings.
When the Association for Comprehensive NeuroTherapy surveyed people about what triggered their tics, it’s no surprise that stress was the most common response. In addition to stress, anxiety, excitement (good or bad) and feeling sick or hungry are also known triggers or factors that can contribute to increased ticcing.
In terms of dietary or ingested items, common tic triggers include: caffeine, alcohol, sweets, sodas, artificial colors and flavors, certain foods like dairy, oranges, gluten, preservatives, monosodium glutamate, and dust and pollen.
For some (not everyone), ADHD medications can worsen tics. The Canadian Guidelines for the Evidence-based Treatment of Tourette Syndrome states that when people first start taking Ritalin or Methylphenidate or their dosage increases, their tics may worsen. It also states that worsening of tics may occur with doses of Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine or Dextrostat) that are higher than or equal to 25 mg per day.
Video games, light (flashing, bright or fluorescent), cell phone use, smoke or smoking, scented products, computer use, stadium or amusement park lights, watching TV or movies (especially in the dark) are also triggers for tics in some people.
What are your tic triggers? Do you know what they are? Do you ever record them? Have you ever tried to eliminate them? If so, did this reduce your tics? Please leave a comment below.
I am 74 years old. I had nervous tics since I was a toddler. They became increasingly severe in my late teens. In 1970 I was prescribed Serenace (Haloperidol, Haldol) which I was on till 2018 as a result of having developed tremors. Lots of benefits, but also severe withdrawal effects developed. Tic did not get worse until this year (2022) when it went ballistic. It is now so severe that I simply don’t want to live. I have done much researching on the withdrawal, but to no avail. My immediate concern is how to alleviate the huge increase in tics. By the way, I am fairly certain that my tics have been a fair way into Tourettes.
I dont know much about my tics if I’m honest, but I’ll list the few I know. Bitter/sour tastes, Music with a lot of different sounds, bright lights, thinking about my tics, Strong emotions (Excited, angry), and definitely stress/ being overwhelmed.
I’ll speak on my son’s behalf … tics are triggered when pressure is put on him. Stress. Stress will do it. Anything out of his comfort zone, which unfortunately changes on an almost daily basis.
being nervous
being tired
being around people who might say something if they acted up
I have several triggers. A burst of air can set me off, like when someone walks by or sitting under an air vent. Not enough sleep. I get overwhelmed when there are too many conversations going on at one time, like in a party setting.
My tics are triggered mainly by concentration or elevated heart rate. Strong emotions bring them out the most. Typically food and beverages have no effect, though caffeine and sugar can elevate my heart rate which, in turn, elevates my tics. Certain soft-smelling candles or air fresheners helps ease them by calming my nerves, but if it is a smell that bothers me or is very strong (vanilla, for example, is an exceptionally strong/overpowering smell) will make me tic more -to be fair, though, my tics could be reacting more to my aversion to the smell than the smell itself.