Baby is Rolling Eyes

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Baby is Rolling Eyes

by Anonymous

My 6 month old son just started rolling his eyes up in the back of his head yesterday. It looks scary and I don't know if something is wrong. I have never seen him do it before and he had done it at least ten times yesterday and 4 times already today. Please help, I'm scared that something is wrong.

Find answers and comments below.

Baby Help Line Response:

Hi!

I can truly understand that you are worried if your baby has just started rolling his eyes! However, keep in mind that babies can do all sorts of strange things just because they've figured out how to do it. My children have for example banged their heads against the floor, pulled their ears hard, stuck their hands so deep into their mouths that they chocked etc... My youngest keep poaching his eyes with his fingers...

Chances are that your baby is just rolling his eyes because he can!

But since you're worried I think you should talk to a pediatrician immediately. Rolling eyes can be a warning sign of injury for example if it started after that your baby fell and hit his head.

Does it seem like he is doing it intentionally or not? Is there anything at all more going on that is unusual or could indicate illness?

Talk to a doctor, that is my best advice. But don't be too worried, if you're baby seems to be fine, he probably is.

I really hope your baby is well. Good luck!

Paula

The information provided on this site is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment. Nothing contained on this site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.

Comments for
Baby is Rolling Eyes

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Mar 14, 2008

EYES ROLLING IN THE BACK OF HER HEAD
by: CHERYL REILLY

We first noticed my daughter doing this when she was 9 yrs old. They mis diagnosed her with epilepsy and put her on increasing amounts of depikote for the next 5 years, which had horrible side effects on her personality and never stopped the eye rolling. Another Neurolist diagnosed her with a form of tourents syndrome and put her on lexapro. Though this has curbed her anxiety from all her peers and teachers making fun of this problem, it still hasnt stopped the eye rolling episodes. She is now driving a car and we are concerned...please if anyone out there knows of a condition that causes this problem, please email me.
cheryl-reilly@sbcglobal.net

Aug 13, 2008

BABY EYES
by: Anonymous

MY SON IS NOW 7 MONTHS OLD I NOTICED HIM ROLLING HIS EYES BACK AS IF HES LOOKING UP I THOUGHT IT WAS STRANGE BUT IT ALSO LOOKS LIKE HE DOES IT BECAUSE HE KNOWS HE CAN. HE DOES IT A FEW TIMES BUT OTHERWISE HES AS NORMAL AND HEALTHY AS CAN BE IM STILL SOING TO ASK A DOCTOR JUST TO MAKE SURE NOTHING IS WRONG

Sep 11, 2008

Eyes rolling back and crying.
by: Anonymous

Hi, My daughter who is 5 month old daughter has started to rollher eyes back recently, this is really making worry about her. She did a few tinmes at first and was fine with it and now she does it and starts crying with it last night it happened and she started to cry they were a couple of seconds apart. when it hapens she jerks her body as well she seems to be in pain or is she just feeling scared. It really worrying me. I took her to the doctor but she is fine there, the doctors seems to think she is fine but he has not seen her when her eyes role back. I really need advice please can anyone help?

Sep 11, 2008

eyes rolling back
by: Anonymous

My baby does this she is 5 months but she cries when this happens to her and jerks her body can anyone give me any advice?

Oct 14, 2008

rolling eyes
by: Anonymous

my baby is only 3 weeks old and has started rolling his eyes quite a lot when asleep.Is this normal? Is it wind?

Oct 15, 2008

Rolling Eyes Back
by: Anonymous

My daughter is two years old and started rolling her eyes back several months ago. I am concerned because I am not sure whether or not she is having a seizure. She might be doing it on purpose for fun.

I read everyones comments and I can see that no one knows what it is. Tomorrow I am going to the neurologist to find out. If I find out, I will let everyone know.
SM

Oct 16, 2008

REM sleep (the 3 weeks old baby)?
by: Baby Help Line

Hi!

How do you know that your baby is rolling eyes if asleep? If it is simply that you see movement under the eyelids it is completely normal and called REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement sleep). A newborn baby spends more than 80% of total sleep time in REM, while adults only spend around 20-25% of their time asleep in REM.

Hope this helps!

/Paula

Oct 24, 2008

baby is rolling eyes
by: Anonymous

I have a 20 month old son who has has those symtoms and it has happens twice each time it is as if he was dieing the first time it happens.

I took him to the doctors they said he had an ear infection the I read a medical book which said that the baby tends to have problems but can't tell us as we can so they show fever type symtoms then when the baby rolls the eyes back it is as if they are having a fit the best thing to do is make sure the mouth does not close ie.

Make sure you put some of your fingers in it there might be time they will bite hard don't worry this is helping don't let go and also they tend to have a high tempreture then try pouring cold water on there head this will bring that down then they should cry hard once you have done this that them to the doctors next day it may be they have a infection .

Oct 25, 2008

Baby rolling eyes
by: Anonymous

My nephew (8 months) has been doing this too. It happens whenever we lay him on his back. His legs and arms begin to stiffin straight out and his eyes roll way in the back of his head.

I will try to call to him and get his attention but he doesn't come out of it. It only lasts a few seconds. He sometimes laughs a little when he does it and hes smiling the whole time but its just scary and weird. Any advice?
nellie_pie03(at)yahoo.com

Nov 20, 2008

I am worried
by: Anonymous

My baby who is 8 months has stared to do this too. He did it a few times today and it was really scary. I am sssooo worried. Has anyone been to the doctor and found out something about this?

Mar 14, 2009

rollig eyes up when walking
by: john

my son rolles his eyes back every two to three min.and loses his balance and falls it don,t seem to hurt him only when he fall hard

Mar 17, 2009

Baby rolling eyes down not back
by: Anonymous

My baby is six weeks old and has just started rolling his eyes down (not up and back), so that the whites are showing and some of the pupils. They sort of zig zag a little for a moment but when I touch him or call him, he immediately snaps out of it. This has only happened while he's lying on his back and I'm changing him. I don't know if he's trying to look down at me and his eyes get stuck or what?Does this seem like a seizure or just lack of eye control?

Mar 23, 2009

EYES ROLLING
by: Anonymous

Hi there,i am sure this does not apply to every child but eye rolling can be a sign of Autism.My Grandson has been eyerolling since he was born,he is now nearly 2,the eyerolling has not stopped and now he walks on his tip toes,body rocks for ages and spins around with his eyes rolled up.The Health visitor has at last referred him to hospital.
The only problem is its hard to diagnose Autism before 18months of age.

May 18, 2009

eyes rolling to the back of the head-8months old
by: Anonymous

My son is nearly 15months old,his eyes have been rolling to the back of his head for a few weeks now,i didnt think much of this at first as i thought he was looking up at me and at the lights and fans etc..also my sister is a nurse and sees him every few days she sad i should just keep an eye on it and see if he does it more often and to try and catch it on the video camera and get an appt to the paedeotrician asap.As the video showa exactly what he does.
She said its not normal and he is doing it alot more,i was very worried and still am.Ive been to see my local doctor and have a referal to westmead hospital,my doctor doesnt want to worry me,but said it needs to be checked out asap as its not normal but could be a number of things like-he could be just repeating something he started doing and it could be that he is looking at things up high often,she also asked if he blacks out or shakes,he doesnt,its just the head back and his eyes roll and it happens at all different times of the day and when he is angry or happy,sitting and lying down.
It is just best to get them checked out asap doesnt matter what age,as its better to be safe than sorry,i now have an appt next week and will come back to this site and write up the results,fingers crossed its nothing???

Jul 10, 2009

rolling eyes
by: Corona

My daughter is almost 6years old. Four days ago, My family and I noticed she started rolling her eyes upward and sideways. The first day was very minimal with only 2 episodes noted. The second day, the episodes were slightly more. By the third day, she was rolling her eyes about every 40seconds. I ended up in ER>> Labs were drawn and a CT scan of the head w/ iv contrast was done to rule out neuroblastoma. Fortunately, everything was normal. In ER, two pediatricians examined my daughter, not sure of what could be causing this. They did mention the possibility of a tick bite. Today we saw an opthalmologist>> again her eye exam was normal. Seems like no one really knows what causes rolling of the eyes. My next step is to see a neurologist.

Jan 13, 2010

eyes rolling up
by: m b

my 2 and a half year old has possible rett syndrome , but not confirmed she has severe developmental delay, she suffers from absent seizures and i was wondering if eye's rolling up is a symptom of a seizure

Jan 25, 2010

7 MONTH WITH SAME PROB
by: Anonymous

baby fell down from couch 3 weeks ago and since then he rolls his eyes like 2 times a day especially when lying on his back,i too his to a doctor who said he's fine, but am scared. baby is 7 months old

Feb 05, 2010

Doctors are the best answer
by: skinny

Yes, worry about your child and take him to the doctor as soon as possible. Don't ignore the thinks that make you uncomfortable because bad feelings are always not good. Dont listen to does that give different opinions just take your baby to the doctor. Thats youre best answer you will find.

Feb 12, 2010

my babys eyes going down not up or backwards
by: Anonymous

he recently stared doing this i'm scared i want it to stop i dont know what to do the doctor said hes ok but really is he fine!!! anyone know what i'm talking about let me know whaat i should do!!!

Mar 17, 2010

EYES Rolling back =? PTU
by: Davy

My little boy displays the rolling back of the eyes. And my research has taken me to this web page:
http://www.upgaze.org/ which might help some of your problems. THe condition is called PTU Paroxysmal Tonic Upgaze. Good luck....

Mar 22, 2010

Rolling eyes downward
by: Moe

I have a 1 week and day old baby. The doctor says she is healthy and is growing weel. My concern is the fact that she is rolling her eyes downward and not upword. She does it often then usual. This is my first and it is worry some. The doctor thinks she fine, but it is still a concern. Looking for advice.

Jul 25, 2010

rolling eyes downward
by: Anonymous

Our daughter started rolling her eyes downward at approx 3 1/2 months. It started one day out of the blue and then started getting more frequent. Her eyes would go downward for a few seconds and often you couldn't see her eyes. Very scary and stressful. Our GP recommended we see a pediatric neurologist. The neuro defined the condition as 'Tonic Downward Eye Deviation' which is a very rare condition in which infants generally grow out of with no neurological problems (you can find some case studies online). He did however suggest we have scan to ensure that there was not something else causing the downward gazing. We decided to do a cranial ultrasound which came back completely normal and now our daughter is nearly 6 months old and has we have not seen her roll her eyes downward for a few weeks. If your baby is rolling their eyes downward it is important to see a specialist. But be reassured that in most cases if this is happening (without a loss of upward gaze) it is usually a benign condition which will self correct over time.

Jul 30, 2010

Family History
by: Anonymous

Hi Im an adult with 3 children who are all seeming to have a mild problem, particularly with dairy intolerance, aural allergy syndrome -tomatoes and pollen carrying fruits, causing mild swelling or rash to the mouth, and minor breathing (& anxiety problems)
I myself after having milk go into this semi conscious state feeling anxious or angry just before but the last time I had milk I couldn't see properly and was very ill and depressed and also after which couldn't stop the eyes rolling and passing out nearly everyday. I was doing it in the bath, and now have discovered a little bit more about it. That there is first a headache and that it is often brought on by strong emotions or over activity/not enough sleep. When I was a child and adult I have collapsed/and knees giving way and have had a paralyzed collapse too. My daughter was unrousable for a long time but stats were fine at a&e. We have history of stroke in the family and allergies. I know there's a thing called Crohn's Disease as well something to do with food, neurology and blood in stools. Or an enzyme deficiency making the food go through the stomach wall as a DRUG straight into the blood stream.

Further more when I changed doctors the new doctor said he had friends (a family) who go mental when they have milk as well and makes them very ill. But medically he cannot commit himself. He said I should prepare meals at home to prevent incidental intake. My situation is obviously more complicated BUT it is offset by certain products. I avoid sulphates, sunset yellow, artificial sweetener, LACTOSE INC PILLS! for some people wheat is also related or at least the chemical processes of those foods. I promise if you change your diet and lead a healthy lifestyle the situation will dramatically improve. FRESH AIR, lack of oxygen and regular movements in case its something to do with circulation but not to much activity! Or interaction. Ideally with a child you should keep them fit well and keep moving throughout the day with regular snacks not high in sugar. And encourage rest and early nights and quiet time/alone time -a peaceful setting. Words can also jumble. A sign that the child needs a long rest. If I do find out anymore I will post -its been 10 years since I discovered that milk makes me pass out. But it does happen without if I have to many problems, keep your child stress free. Last of all it could be something to do with the heart as both me and my neighbor pass out AND are both allergic to milk! Adults avoid alcohol PERIOD. THE TRUTH IS THAT THE DOCTORS DONT KNOW WHAT IT IS. One pediatrician said we're emotional and might want to buy sleep hormone off the internet for extra sleep. Beginning with M?? Malanine or something. But whatever -GET SEVERAL OPINIONS AND KEEP TRYING!

Sep 09, 2010

tonic downgaze- rolling eyes down
by: Anonymous

My son was born on Sept 2nd and he rolls his eyes downwards randomly. It was a concern to me and his doctor, we are going to do a MRI to see if there is something they can find that might be causing it to happen. The doctor did say he might have tonic downgaze. Right now i don't know too much but hopefully all goes well.

Nov 10, 2010

Advice!!!
by: Anonymous

Hey guys and parents worried about your kids, Please go search 'upgaze' . And consult a doctor. It maybe it.

Dec 21, 2010

eyes rolling upward
by: Mina

My 8 month old baby girl has been having these episodes for about a week. Thought she was having a seizure at first. Her gaze was up and to the side/or rolling back. We were admitted for observation had an EEG and MRI both are normal. The peds Neurologist is referring us to peds opthalmology. Now just waiting and praying all will turn out well.

Jan 06, 2011

Rolling eyes up
by: Chandler Mom of three

My 14 month old just started rolling his eyes up about a week ago. Happy or sad, it doesn't make a difference, his eyes will sporadically look up quickly, sometimes 3 times in a row.
He had a CT scan, and two ultrasounds of his brain after he was born, and just found two cysts which had formed from two small brain bleeds during birth, very common and we were told would not affect him.

He actually has a follow up appt. with his neurologist in February, and they will look further into this "tic" then.

My now 8 year old, had eye blinking tic's when he was 4, and I took him to a chiropractor, and they went away within 3 weeks. I am taking my 14 month old to the chiropractor on Monday to see if this will help as well.

If anyone else has any input, please pass your wisdom on. :-)

Feb 21, 2011

advice from a pediatric nurse practioner
by: leanne

hi everyone! I stumbled on this webpage while doing research. After reading everyone's comments I am very concerned. Eye rolling downward or side to side can be a sign of a neurological problem, this can happen when there is an increase of pressure in the brain. For example tumors or fluid. Please go to your pediatrician immediately because time is of the essence. However, eye rolling is NOT always emergent but it should always be investigated! hope this helps!

Feb 22, 2011

update on baby's eye rolling
by: Chandler Mom of three

I reported recently that my one year old's eyes just started darting up randomly, several times a day. I read that tic's can be allergy related. So I took my son off of dairy immediately, as his tic's coincided with introducing him to cow's milk. His ticks stopped 100% and immediately.
I also took him to his neurologist, and she told me that there is new evidence that 90% of tic's are related to allergies.

I would still take your child to their doctor as well. I am just thankful that my son was just allergic to dairy. God Bless!

Feb 25, 2011

Here is one answer (FEBRILE SEIZURE)
by: Anonymous

I went to my daughters room to make sure she was tucked in nicely, as I did I noticed she was burning up with a fever at 39, she started having muscle twitches in her arms and fingers and I knew someone wasn't right. I took her out to the living room because she was awake and I turned on her favorite movie. She at first started to watch it, her body started to tense, her eyes started rolling back, she started vomiting, she was unresponsive to her name, unresponsive to us screaming and panicking, her breathing was all over the place. We called paramedics they had checked her out, she became responsive again. The paramedics had told us she has gone through a FEBRILE SEIZURE. I strongly suggest for those who are reading this to read up documents on the FEBRILE SEIZURE and please, please see your family doctor, pediatrician. This was the worst, scariest moment of my life and I will never forget it. I hold my daughter more tight than ever. Its a pain I will never lose.

Yours Truly,

Parents in deep love with their children

Mar 02, 2011

Upgaze
by: Anonymous

I have no idea if what you are describing is anything like this, but Google "upgaze" & click on the first link - v. v. rare, a lot of paediatricians don't know of its existence.

May 18, 2011

Please help me
by: Lorna

Please help me. The writer of the post on March 17th 2009 has just listed the exact problem my little 9 week old girl is having. Down to the changing table, being able to be called out of it and everything else. I know that 3 years later it is unlikely she will be on here, but if she is could the writer please tell me what the diagnosis was as the doctors I am seeing cannot help me.

I am at my wit's end as I do not know if this will progress into a full seizure at any point.
Alternatively, does anyone else have any ideas that fit this bill. As my girl can be called out of it, what is it? Thank you so much.

Comment By EasyBabyLifeLorna, I am sorry, but the writer didn't provide any email address, so there is no way to contact that person. If anyone can help Lorna, please post in this thread!

Jun 11, 2011

eyes going to side of head
by: Anonymous

My son will be two in a week and for the past two months when he runs past things he puts his eyes to the side of his head. Somtimes he stands still and does this too and it is starting to worry me. If he is looking at the television I have also seen him putting his eyes to side of his head and making a strange facial expression. Does anyone have any idea why he is doing this?

Aug 10, 2011

Baby can't control eyes
by: Anonymous

My son can't control his eyes since he was 2 weeks old. He is now 8 months old. I took him to an eye doctor and to a eurologist. They did and EEG, cat scan and everything came out good. I don't understand why he still rolls them back. What's weird is that when he goes to slepp he wakes up fine. My mom says I did the same as a baby, so maybe he got it from me. I need advice, please email me if you know anything.
emilyrdz01 @ yahoo.com

Aug 24, 2011

My 8 1/2 month old baby boy rolling his eyes while eating, & after
by: Anonymous

My son rolled his eyes back into his head 2days ago, he was eating & he started rolling his eyes, shaking a little, did it like 3 times, I called his pediatrician, she said keep eye on him, if it continues, to take him to ER. She said it is probably nothing, but he did it today again.

I can't sleep, because I'm just watching him at night, I don't want to leave his sight. I told my boyfriend, but he thinks I'm imagining things.

He thinks the baby is just playing with his eyes. Somebody help, I know I should go to Dr, just to be sure.

email me suszie1221 @ yahoo.com

Aug 28, 2011

Our baby diagnosed with Infantile Spasm Syndrome
by: Suzanne

I was on this thread about a month and a half ago when my baby started rolling his eyes up. Though my pediatricians office was not alarmed, we took our son to the ER when his eye rolling progressed to his body going rigid at the same time.

He was having seizures and was diagnosed with Infantile Spasm Syndrome.

This disorder (present in 1 in 2,500 babies) is best treated right at the onset! It does not hurt to see a neurologist, get an EEG and clear the possibility of seizures as they interfere with your baby's development.

I recommend going in right away if your baby is rolling its eyes and get seizures ruled out!

Blessings,

Suzanne

Sep 21, 2011

Any updates?
by: Anonymous

I have read through these threads and noticed my daughter has a lot in common with some of your children. She is 7 months and has been rolling her eyes upward for about a week.

The eye doctor said no problems were found but is referring us to a neurologist. She has an EEG scheduled on mon.

Does anyone have any updates for me? How did it turn out for everyone? My baby mostly does it lying on her back and sometimes rubs her eyes when it happens. When she's not doing this, she is otherwise a normal and healthy acting baby.

Nov 16, 2011

eyes rolling to the back of babys head NEW
by: gill

My sons eyes have started rolling to the top of his head and he has a rare neuroligical disorder called hyperexplexia
but i dont think the 2 are related

Feb 06, 2012

Fever with sezuirs NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi all,

i am mother of 3 year old boy,he had his first sezuirs when he was 18 moths... and 2nd when he was 26 months and from then every now and the when ever he is having fever he is having sezuirs ... it so trifling... am not able to sleep its worrying me a lot..have been to many doctors but every one says its common... but its scaring me more and more that i am not able to do any thing.. please suggest if any one is going throught same phase ..

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