What Causes Involuntary Eye Rolling In A 5 Year Old Child?

Posted on Fri, 5 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 5 May 2017 Answered on

Thu, 1 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My 5 YR O grandaughter would roll her eyes up and to the Rt without loss of concentration or focus. Sxs noticed about 5 days ago happening only occasionally, Today she is doing it approx 8- 10 times half hr. She does wear glasses and we checked them for comfort. When asked if she knew she was rolling her eyes her ans was ,"her eyes get hot and this lets in cool air"

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible Diagnosis : Tics

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic,

Such rolling eye movements are called tics. It is common in children. Tics can be associated with eye strain and anxiety in young children.
Since she is already wearing glasses, it is important to do vision testing to see if the lens power has changed.
Most tics are benign and subside eventually.
If persistent tics raise concern for rare conditions like Tourette's syndrome.

I'd recommend following up with her Pediatrician to undergo necessary evaluation.

Hope I was able to help you
Please address further questions here
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy