When a patient opens his eyes, which direction do the eyeballs typically roll?

When a patient opens their eyes, the typical movement of the eyeballs is upward. This upward motion is a common response, particularly when transitioning from a relaxed state with the eyes closed to an alert state.

The upward roll of the eyeballs is part of the reflexive actions that occur as the body prepares to engage with the visual environment. This movement is primarily controlled by the extraocular muscles and is associated with the activity of the oculomotor nerve, which innervates the muscles responsible for elevating the eyelids and moving the eyes.

It’s essential to understand this concept in the context of EEG and neurological assessments, as eye movement can influence the brain's electrical activity captured during an EEG recording. This awareness helps clinicians interpret EEG findings more accurately, particularly during periods of alertness or movement.