Are Tics Always Tourette’s?

Understanding Sudden Tics in Children

If your child has recently developed sudden, repetitive movements or sounds, you might be wondering: Is this Tourette’s syndrome?

Many parents are surprised to learn that not all tics are caused by Tourette’s. Tics can also be triggered by immune dysfunction, nutritional imbalances, gut health issues, infections and even environmental factors. In some cases, they may come and go, worsening under certain conditions and improving when underlying causes are addressed.

If your child has developed eye blinking, throat clearing, head jerking, or vocal outbursts, this guide will help you understand what could be causing it and what steps you can take.

What Are Tics?

Tics are sudden, repetitive, involuntary movements or vocalisations that can range from mild to severe.

They are classified into two main types:

• Motor tics – Physical movements such as blinking, shoulder shrugging, grimacing, or head jerking.

• Vocal tics – Sounds such as throat clearing, sniffing, humming or repeating words.

Some children experience mild, temporary tics that disappear on their own, while others develop persistent or worsening tics that require deeper investigation.

Is It Tourette’s Syndrome or Something Else?

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition diagnosed when a child has both motor and vocal tics lasting longer than a year. However, tics alone do not automatically mean Tourette’s.

There are several other possible causes of tics, including:

1. PANS/PANDAS – Infection-Triggered Tics

PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) can cause sudden-onset tics, OCD, anxiety, aggression, and emotional instability.

These tics often appear after an illness, such as strep throat, flu or another viral infection. They may worsen in flares and be accompanied by other neurological or behavioural changes.

If your child’s tics appeared suddenly and coincide with OCD, mood swings, sleep disturbances, or academic regression then PANS/PANDAS may be a factor.

2. Nutrient Deficiencies – The Role of Magnesium, Iron, Zinc and B Vitamins

Certain nutrient imbalances can contribute to or worsen tics, particularly:

• Magnesium – Helps regulate nerve function and muscle contractions. Deficiencies can lead to twitching, hyperactivity and anxiety.

• Iron - Low iron is linked to increased frequency and intensity of tics.

• Zinc – Plays a role in dopamine regulation and tic suppression.

• B Vitamins – Essential for neurotransmitter balance, particularly B6 and B12.

Children with poor diets, gut absorption issues, or high nutrient demands may be at risk of these deficiencies.

3. Gut Health & The Microbiome’s Role in Tics

The gut and brain are deeply connected, and imbalances in the gut microbiome can impact neurological function.

• Dysbiosis (gut bacteria imbalances) may contribute to neuroinflammation and tic severity.

• Yeast overgrowth (Candida) can lead to hyperactivity, mood swings, and repetitive behaviours.

• Leaky gut can trigger systemic inflammation, affecting the nervous system.

4. Food Sensitivities & Chemical Triggers

Some children are sensitive to artificial additives, preservatives or specific foods, which can increase tics, hyperactivity and mood dysregulation.

Common triggers include:

• Artificial colours and preservatives (found in processed snacks and soft drinks)

• MSG and artificial flavour enhancers

• Dairy or gluten, especially in children with gut health issues

• High salicylate foods (such as tomatoes, oranges, and grapes) in sensitive children

5. Stress, Anxiety & Emotional Factors

Tics often worsen under stress. Anxiety, fatigue or emotional distress can act as a trigger, even in children without a diagnosed tic disorder.

Parents may notice tics increase during school transitions, family stress or after screen time. Supporting emotional regulation through stress-reducing activities, sleep improvements and nervous system support can help reduce symptoms.

How to Support a Child with Tics

1. Identify Triggers

Start a symptom journal to track when tics worsen or improve. Pay attention to:

• Food and diet changes

• Illnesses or infections

• Sleep quality

• Stress or emotional factors

• Environmental exposures (mould, chemicals, heavy metals)

2. Address Nutritional Deficiencies

Increasing key nutrients can help stabilise the nervous system and reduce tic severity.

Focus on foods rich in:

• Magnesium (leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, bananas)

• Zinc (grass-fed meat, seafood, nuts, legumes)

• Vitamin B6 & B12 (eggs, salmon, avocado)

• Omega-3 fatty acids (wild-caught fish, flaxseeds, walnuts)

• Iron (grass-fed meat, eggs, spinach, legumes)

In some cases, targeted supplementation may be beneficial. 

3. Support the Gut-Brain Connection

Improving gut health can reduce inflammation and stabilise neurotransmitter production. This may involve:

• Probiotics to restore beneficial gut bacteria

• Prebiotics to feed beneficial bacteria 

• Reducing sugar and processed foods that fuel bad bacteria

• Addressing yeast overgrowth or gut infections through functional testing

4. Reduce Exposure to Artificial Additives & Toxin Load

Eliminating artificial food dyes, preservatives, and highly processed foods can lower neuroinflammation and improve symptoms.

Additionally, reducing exposure to household chemicals, synthetic fragrances and heavy metals can support detoxification pathways.

5. Manage Stress & Sleep

Ensuring adequate sleep, stress reduction and nervous system support can help stabilise tic severity.

• Magnesium baths before bed

• Calming activities like yoga, deep breathing or sensory play

• Minimising screen time, which can be overstimulating and a trigger for some children

When to Seek Professional Support

If your child’s tics are:

• Sudden and severe

• Accompanied by OCD, anxiety, aggression or learning regression

• Triggered by infections or illness

• Persistent or worsening over time

It may be time to investigate underlying causes with a practitioner who understands tic disorders, PANS/PANDAS, gut health and neurological function.

How I Can Help

As a Clinical Nutritionist, I specialise in helping families uncover the root causes of neurological symptoms, including tics. My approach includes:

• Functional testing to assess nutrient levels, gut health, and immune markers

• Personalised nutrition plans to support neurotransmitter balance and reduce inflammation

• Targeted interventions for gut healing, immune regulation and nervous system support

If you are looking for a science-backed, natural approach to help your child, I invite you to book a free 20-minute discovery call to discuss your concerns and explore the next steps.