Today, many people in America use kratom for many purposes. Most kratom users swear by the efficacy of the plant to ease conditions such as chronic pain and opiate withdrawal. Additionally, some users report that kratom can help relieve some neurological conditions, maybe thanks to the anxiolytic properties of the plant. In fact, there are users who claim that kratom has helped them ease Tourette Syndrome. But is kratom for Tourette Syndrome effective? How does it work? Let’s explore the subject below.
What is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder also known as TS. People who suffer from it have tics, which are repetitive involuntary movements and vocalizations. However, TS must not be mistaken with Chronic or Provisional Tic Disorder. Contrary to these disorders, people with Tourette Syndrome have at least two motor tics and one vocal tic for more than a year.
As we mentioned above, symptoms of TS include movement and vocal tics which are different in every individual. Let’s see some examples below:
- Vocal tics include sounds, throat clearing, shouting, sniffing, and many more. Additionally, these sounds can be words or even full sentences that appear to be out of context. And, in some cases, these words or phrases can be inappropriate, however, this type of tics are less common.
- Motor tics include facial movement, blinking, eye rolling, grimacing, shrugging, jumping, jaw movements. Additionally, they can include touching objects or other people.
Moreover, some people feel an urge before a tic which has been compared to the urge you feel before sneezing. These urges are called premonitory sensations.
It is still not clear what the causes of TS are. However, the condition is hereditary, for this reason, it is believed that there is a genetic factor that contributes to the development of the disorder.
Tourette Syndrome: Diagnosis and Treatment
There are different levels of Tourette syndrome, these are:
Simple: in this level, only motor and vocal tics are present, including throat clearing, blinking, shoulder shrugging, etc.
Complex: aside from the above tics, individuals with complex TS can have echolalia (repeating words or syllables) or coprolalia (swearing). Additionally, they can include jumping, compulsively touching objects or people, etc. This can lead to social problems.
Additionally, more severe cases of TS may have other symptoms, such as:
- anxiety
- depression
- irritability
- obsession
TS typically appears in childhood and it can be difficult to diagnose in the beginning. However, if you notice that your child has both motor and vocal tics that last longer than a year, it is advisable to visit your doctor, who will observe the patient’s behavior. Additionally, CT scans may be needed to make sure that tics aren’t caused by other conditions.
Typically, mild TS cases won’t require any treatment. However, when the disorder interferes with your life or becomes problematic it may need behavioral therapies or medication.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a plant native to South East Asia, which has become very popular in the US to treat symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal. The leaves of the plant contain alkaloids that act on the opioid receptors of the nervous system, allowing it to ease anxiety and chronic pain. Additionally, some people use it for its energizing and stimulating effects.
Kratom is typically sold online or in headshops in powder or extract form. And, to feel its effects, users ingest it using different methods. The most popular ways of consumption include eating the powder directly, by swallowing it with water, which is known as the toss n’ wash method. Or preparing tea by brewing the powder in water. Moreover, due to kratom’s powerful taste, some people prefer to mix it with sweet foods like applesauce, yogurt or smoothies.
But is kratom a good solution for Tourette Syndrome? Let’s explore it below.
Kratom For Tourette Syndrome
As we explained above, people use kratom for a number of reasons, including, to ease anxiety, chronic pain and to get energy. However, kratom’s potential to treat these and other conditions have not been sufficiently researched.
Regarding TS, there are no scientific studies on this subject. However, anecdotal evidence shows some results on the use of kratom for Tourette syndrome. Users who have used kratom for Tourette’s Syndrome report to have seen their tics reduced significantly.
Additionally, kratom can help ease the anxiety and social anxiety that Tourette Syndrome cause to some people.
Regarding the dosage of kratom for Tourette Syndrome, there is no way to know which dose may work for each individual. However, if you are considering trying it remember that it is strongly advisable to start on a low dose (2-4 grams). But, take into consideration that there is not enough evidence that kratom can help TS and, most likely, it will only help relieve the anxiety that might be associated to this disorder.
