J.V.
Both of these things are very common in young childhood and specific to boys. The eye blinking is upsetting to watch but try to ignore it. The more you bring attention to it the more he will do it. Childhood tics come and go. They can last a few minutes to a few months. Definitely rule out any disorders of the eye but most likely it is a childhood tic. Some kids are having seizures or allergies too when the blinking is happening. You can get an EEG or try prescription eye drops. Once they begin, tics can be made worse by a bad diet, a virul infection, too much TV or strong odors that seem noxious i.e.bleach when you are mopping the floors. Keep him healthy and keep the tv off for right now. Tics are so common doctors won't even diagnose it until the child has been doing it for over a year which is called a transient tic disorder. If it is accompanied by several motor tics at the same time for a year then it is chronic tic disorder. If they are yelling with tantrums, cursing, swearing it could be Tourette's. Tourette's is genetic in nature. Many kids with tics have a Magnesium deficiency because most mutivitamins have less than 1% of Magnesium. Many kids with tics do well with Calcium/Magnesium supplements. Often the tics will dramatically decrease if not go away all together. Try Rhino Calcium chewables for kids bought at Whole Foods once he turns 4. They have the highest content of Magnesium I have seen in a childhood Calcium supplement. Good luck and try not to worry to much. This is VERY common.
