Tics While Watching TV

Updated on September 21, 2011
F.T. asks from San Jose, CA
6 answers

I know TV isn't the greatest thing for kids, but my 6 yr old daughter seems to have eye and head bobbing tics only while watching TV. This happens especially later in the evening. She's been to the optometrist and they say her vision is good, but might be light sensitive. Does anyone else experience this? Is there anything you have tried that helps?

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J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

I don't know about kids but I do that when I am falling asleep watching TV. Maybe TV makes her tired.

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S.K.

answers from Dallas on

I just took our 8 yo to the Dr. a couple weeks ago for a tic. It started in May but has changed over time. He is jerking his chin down and to one side. The dr. said that it is common and that he will most likely grow out of it. He also said that it will sometimes get worse when they are watching t.v. or when they are tired. After dealing with several cases, he contacted a pediatric neurologist and was told that there aren't specific work ups that are done for this. If he was making noises with his mouth or was yelling out things uncontrollably, there would be more of a concern.
I read somewhere that trying to make them stop is like trying to stop a sneeze and can also make it worse. We just quit discussing it and our son is doing it less and less.

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J.K.

answers from Dallas on

My son has experienced tics off and on since he was about 4yrs old (now almost 8yrs old) and yes they are worse when he's watching tv. The doctor said tics are normal for young children and they should grow out of them. As for what YOU can do, really there's nothing other than distracting them. Like if it's a hand tic, have her do something with her hands like a crossword puzzle or color/paint or playdough, etc. If it's an eye tic, limit television. I was also advised that the more I said something about the tics to him or the more I tried to discourage the tics, the worse they would get AND the longer they would last. So lately, I've tried to keep quiet. It does seem to help, but, it is quite frustrating.

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S.H.

answers from St. Louis on

you know, think about the seizure warnings which come with video games & strobe lights. I'd have her checked by a neurologist.

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S.L.

answers from Fresno on

I would consult both a neurologist and a chiropractor.

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C.B.

answers from Sacramento on

I would definitely see a Neurologist.

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