The Small Boy seems to have a small range of involuntary movements of the head and arms. If you google that term, you find a plethora of possibilities ranging from the benign [many children have tics, they grow out of them] to the truly malignant [which I am currently not giving brain-space to]. Somewhere in the middle is Tourette’s Syndrome, and if you have any idea what that’s like then you know what I am seeing.
I have taken him to the GP, who objected to my use of the term tic. They are not tics, because they’re not sudden movements. Nonetheless, I persisted, I am concerned about these involuntary movements, whatever speed they happen at. The GP admitted it was outside his remit and made a pediatric appointment for me, which is what I wanted. I hardly expected a prescription.
I spoke to his childminder and his teacher, both of whom say they have noticed rapid blinking. They school implemented a red book in which we all record our observations. In six weeks’ time, when we get to see the paediatrician, this is going to be useful; especially if the tics don’t show themselves during the appointment.
Of course I am worried. But I cannot spend the next six weeks operating at the height of anxiety about this, when perhaps it really is just something he will grow out of. How will that help? We will see the paediatrician, and something will be done about it.
My eldest went through similar at around 3/4 years of age. Rapid blinking, repetitive motions with his arms and making an involuntary brrr brrr sound with his mouth. Got worse the first term he started school (was clearly aggravated by stress) and then just disappeared. No other issues as he’s got older.
Just to reassure you that sometimes it can mean absolutely nothing, just be a phase they grow out of and not be anything sinister. I hope the same is true for your little man
Pewari, it is good to hear that from someone who isn’t trying to reassure me with nothing to back it up, or fob me off – thanks!
You’re welcome. I know it is impossible not to worry.
Incidentally, one thing that helped my son’s stress levels (which in the end we put it down to) was that he was clearly a child that needed routine and to KNOW what was going on each day. He got very distressed one week at school when there was a special activity which involved him being in a different classroom with different children.
The teachers were fab and went out of their way to make sure he was given 24hrs notice of any changes (such as a teacher being away on a course, etc) which was really helpful and he settled much more quickly after that.
My HV also suggested that rapid blinking can be a sign of problems with eyesight (as you blink the way the light hits the back of the eye changes, so can be a way for them to try to focus). We did take him to the optician (they don’t need to be able to read – they have symbols for the littlies) and he wasn’t short sighted at the time (he did later become short sighted, but not totally surprising given that me and hubby are both short sighted) – but might be worth popping into an optician if you can, if only to rule it out?
But I can’t really say anything “cured” it for him other than age and confidence.