EYE-MOVEMENT TICS IN CHILDREN

Tics are relatively common in childhood, especially between the ages of six to 12 years. While eye-blinking and eye-winking tics are well recognised, eye-movement tics are not. Three children with conjugate eye-movement tics, occurring alone or in combination with other tics, are described and the differential diagnosis is discussed. Treatment of tics in the first instance comprises reassurance and explanation. Detailed further investigation is not indicated, but follow-up is desirable while tics persist, since some children may go on to develop Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder.