TS - related tics are largely challenging to eliminate. Heat has, in some cases, reduced compulsive symptoms in TS. However, prior reports have produced opposing results.
At 24 years of age, a man suffering with Gilles de la Tourettes Syndrome presented with the inability to carry glass bottles for fear that he might drop them due to tics.
He attempted to mitigate his tics through heat exposure, barring the knowledge or approval of his medical providers. He believed this would contribute to remission of tics by altering his dopamine production. The man entered a hot tub of 103-104 degrees F for an estimated period of 3-4 hours.
After about 2 hours, following the prolonged heat exposure, his tics subsided. He retained symptoms of extreme dehydration including cramps in extremities, pinkish urine, and general feelings of somatic weakness.
Examinations at times 1 month and 11 months following the remission demonstrated improvements of his condition when compared to data 6 months prior to heat exposure.
This remission of tics was sustained over a period of 3 years. At 27 years of age, a tetanus immunization led to an exacerbation of his compulsive symptoms. This was the worst episode he had experienced to date, which continued for two weeks. Gradually, his tics became mild again.
At 29 years of age, he used Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as a vaporized inhalant on daily basis.
The man, now 36 years of age, is doing well and continues to use vaporized THC. He is working 70 hours a week as reported during a follow-up research examination.
The man is hesitant to receive additional immunizations due to his exacerbation of tics following the tetanus immunization at 27 years of age. Therefore, he has not received a COVID-19 vaccination, but was not severely affected upon contraction of the virus.
