Head Shaking

[NeedHelp610]

Hello, I've been having this head shaking for two years now as far as I know. And it has not been going away, It's strange because it just came out of no where and I don't think I know the cause for it. I have no history of drug abuse or addictions, nor any health problems. I've done some research and I believe that this may be a movement disorder of some type and am sure that it may be Essential Tremor (for head) or cervical dystonia which can result in head shaking either horizontally or vertically. I've had this for a while, and this has greatly limited me and I can only imagine how joyful I would be if I get rid of this. But I'm not sure if this is anxiety either, my head usually starts shaking if I get nervous as well but it also shakes when there is no 'threat'. I spend most of my thinking on trying to avoid shaking and it makes it worse, the area in the back of my neck is so tense. It appears that the shaking starts when I make eye contact with someone and I usually can't maintain eye contact because I start to shake but I try so hard not to. Is there anyone else that has this, I read that some other people have it but there is very little info on what it may be.


If anyone has any idea of what this may be, though I suspect it is Essential Tremor or Cervical Dystonia, is there any way to treat this? I'm going to great depths to try to treat this, I have heard people who have had this for several decades and I have only had it for two years, I need to work now to fix it. I read propanal therapy and Botulinium A injections can help after reading this article but I don't know what I should do yet. I want to help treat this asap as this is 'too heavy' for me to keep on carrying. Here are links for where I did the research:

Propanal Therapy: http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/34/8/1077
Treatments for Essential Tremor (Look at Head section): http://www.aan.com/professionals/practice/pdfs/ET_patients.pdf
More info on Essential Tremor: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/461397_4
Spasmodic torticollis (aka Cervical Dystonia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cervical_dystonia
Essential Tremor: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_tremor
People with similar expierences: http://www.wemove.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/19/1265.html
                                                       http://www.wemove.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/19/856.html
                                                       http://www.wemove.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=19;t=000367;p=0
                                                       http://www.wemove.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/19/366.html

I read a lot and noticed a lot of people talking about MSG's (monosodium glutamate) and aspartame which is something used to enhance the taste of food and can be toxic in large amounts. MSG's are found in Fast Food chains such As Burger King or McDonalds or any other major junk food chain. MSG is also found in school food. Excitatory neurotransmitters affect your emotions in a way where you can't control it. I mention this because I heard that once a severley autistic child stopped consuming aspartame (nutrisweet) and MSG, the autistic child was able to speak again. I read this article where it talks about Essential Head Tremor and nutrients and chemicals: http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/essential-tremor_questions.html . I remember when I was a child that I ate a lot of fast food.

Note: I read up on the Wikipedia essential Tremor article and found this: "ET does sometimes occur in combination with other neurological disorders such as dystonia." I'd also like to note that when my tremor first started it was different, I only had tremors around certain people then It eventually came to a point when I have a tremor for no reason, even if I step up and public speak I might have a tremor/shake and can't look at the audience. My main fear is that people will see my head tremor when I look at them, it is like a phobia in a way.

Please help me, if theres anything I can change in my life it's this. I can see a world of freedom and happiness after I fix this, thank you.

[aturkishgirl]

Hi, i am Turk. And my head shook and so i went to a expert. I am using rexapin and prozac. These are working. Shaking in my head decreased significantly thanks to God. But my sisters and mom say i look very strange because i cant talk anyone, i feel so bad, alone. And i want to die. Do you think that i can die by taking too much the medicine i am using or jumping from a high building? But i'm afraid of dying. Can you answer to me, please? Are there anyone like me today?? (12nd June, 2017)

[JuicyFruit97]

I have similar symptoms.  I have partial seizures right now.  I had them when I was age 5 to age 10. Then they came back at age 30. I had my first child at 25. Then my second at age 28. I started having visual migrains around the 9th month of pregnancy with the 2nd.  Then when I laid down and started to fall asleep, my vision would start to shake from side to side. This could last anywhere from 10 to 25 mins. My brain would also feel like it was vibrating. Then I had my 3rd child at age 30.  I had a lot of hair loss and partial seizures started up which I hadn't had in like 20 yrs. The visual migrains and the shaking stopped. My 4th child was born at age 34. I was still hang partials.  I still have partials and I'm 43..Fixing to be 44. The past year I will have visual disturbances when I get ready to start my partials again.  But this time I started the shaking vision and feelings of brain vibrating. I have felt, off and on, that my brain vibrates, but it doesn't last but a few secs.  Every time I lay down to sleep and I start to drift off, my brain started to feel like it vibrates and my vision wants to shake.  If I sit up or wake up good then it stops unless I let it keep on....slept even after it starts to feel like it's vibrating and then the vision will start and not stop for at least 10 mins. It makes me want to puke and have a headache.  Nauseated even after it stops.  So u r not alone.  And of course, docs don't really know what or how these happen.  Blah, blah, blah.  But God knows and sees and I trust Him.  He has a reason, even if I don't understand it. I wish u luck and don't give up.  And u should really look into vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Those can be a major trigger on a lot of health problems.  Acupuncture help a lot of people too.  And if anyone is reading this that knows more or what this could be, then please let us know.    

[Alexislynnxox]

Hey there, I really wish I had an answer for you as to why this is happening, I found my way to this post by looking into not being the only one who has it either. I am a 21 year old female and I have had my head shake since I was 6 or 7 years old. My parents never took me to look into it so honestly I have no idea what it is or why it's happening. I will do it both vertically and horizontally every 2 minutes or so, imagine having to deal with that for 14 years. I never really cared about it too much until now because I'm older and notice how unnatural it is. I'll do it every couple of seconds sometimes when I feel anxious about something. I also tend to feel embarrassed when I'm sitting or standing with a group of friends or family talking with them and how still they all are focusing on the conversation and I'm just sitting there's shaking my head sometimes. I am soon booking my first physical with my family doctor and I'll be asking a lot of questions about it to her. Maybe there's something that I can take to help it calm down a little. Sometimes I just think there's something wrong with my brain and it makes me so mad sometimes that I can't stop. Either way, I really hope you find your answers soon if you haven't already. Sorry for the rant, just felt like I could really relate here.

[JOGA1971]

I have the same problem as you. Sudden eye contact with another person causes the head to shiver or jolt and can sometimes be accompanied by a quivering of the mouth. When I am talking to someone who is not in my immediate comfort zone of family, my muscles tense up and the head tremors begin. They are extremely disempowering. What actually works, is taking a drink of alcohol, if you are in a social situation, although please bear in mind the harmful effects on your health if using alcohol for a sustained period. Having a shot of spirits certainly does relax the muscles and allows you a relaxed body posture. I suspect those of us who suffer from this condition are very self aware and fear criticism. I do agree, it's a hard habit to shake, if you pardon the pun. :)

[sicaddictshope]

I can't believe others deal with this! I'm so happy to know I'm not alone. I have chiari 1 malformation and I had surgery 8 weeks ago for it. I was hoping this was because of the condition and would go away after surgery but it's still happening. I also know some damage to the nerves and such are permanently damaged even sometimes after surgery.  I hate it and it also happens when I make eye contact with people. I feel like they can see it or like I am about to break out in spasms so I have to look away. How do we stop this? I will have to look up propanol. I hate this feeling.

[MagusOfArizona]

    Hello everyone, not sure who is still checking this.  After suffering for 10 years, ( started at 21 ), I am pretty much cured.  I had to really, and I mean REALLY start to feel where the tension was coming from.  I could not take the madness, adrenaline rushes etc anymore.  

    Zhan Zhuang cured me,( post standing, you stand knees bent with arms out front like hugging a post/tree, hold it for 10mins-1hr if need be ) I also cut out most sugar, and eat vegetarian.  In the beginning I could only do 10 mins, I can do 1 1/2 hour with knees further bent now  ( never have knees bent over toes! ).  It gives you the best rootedness, and opens up your body  ( i had all these cold sensations leaving me, and sweat like a PIG doing it, now I feel so powerful and NO MORE HEAD SHAKES.)  Keep in mind I was over zealous and my body hurt so bad, but I wanted this over with so very badly...you all know what I mean..

    I also did the water method of meditation...I know how it sounds, but it has worked.  ALL the years using the computer since I was 5 for 5-14 hours a day, not to mention very hard physical labor and playing the drums hunched over  ( 10000+ hours )...I can not describe how bad I was physically.  The water method is just imagining water enveloping your head very slowly... and feel the tension, while you put your mind in the tension and dissolve it.  

     The base of my head, occipital area where the lymph nodes are under the ear was my major area.  I feel like I have a 3rd lung, and put on good weight ( was 120lbs the whole time !! now I am 155 ).   It took me YEARS of doing this to find the major spot...you can look into Bruce Kumars work, it really is up to you.  No, pills, no nothing worked.  Good luck

[teddyteddy9]

it's been years but i want to know how long you did Zhan Zhuang until the tremor stops? was it takes years to see result? thank you.

[fefe1965]

thank you so much I will ask my doctor to let me try that.

[fefe1965]

I have had my head to shake for years.doctors don't know really what it is.now my hand shake and I cant talk very well.they think I might have had a stroke but, no test has been run on me to find out.

[Sandyemt]

I am 53 and have had essential tremor about 5 years. I take 80mg twice a day of Propranalol (generic for Inderol) my hands have completly stopped shaking and my head stopped shaking side to side about 90%. I have noticed when Im tired or upset it is worse. Also when I'm driving or have my head turned to the side looking at something (purposeful movement) it is worse. I go to a neurologist for it. Don't just live with it, it is managed nicely with medication. I forgot I have it and have to always remember to take the meds because it works so well for me. Neurologists see this all the time. The meds cost me $15.99 for a 3 month supply. Go get it done...don't suffer.

[Honeybeeze]

My head doesn't only shake bit there is a tension in it like a magnet is there any one who can help me. I feel so sick it affects everything about me.

[dkb4552]

I have been diagnosed with Spasmodic Dysphonia which primarily affects my voice, but lately I've noticed it's advanced to head shakes.  Very disturbing.  Propranol helps quite a bit, but I'm always seeking more answers.

[papichulonyc21]

Hi Everyone,

I have had the head shaking for a couple of months now. What i have learned is that drinking alcohol definitely makes it worse so try to stay away from alcohol as alcohol is known to affect the nervous system. When have that sensation that my head is going to twitch, I put an ice pack in the back of my head/neck and that helps me significantly.Its just a short term remedy but i will try the magnesium pills as stated above for a long term cure. I'll keep you guys updated.

[Mitch697]

Dear people I had this in my early teen days it was due to stress and humiliation my friends used to call me names and say stories about me but I started using natural herb pills that unstressed me.. Forgot the name of the pill though .. They smell really bad also hahha the bottle is plastic and u can see through .. I think it's. A French brand maybe mind something!! It helped me. A lot!! and it even stopped my eye blinking!! Hope it helps u all in trying to cut down on stress and nervousness

[Ih20ski]

I have the Same symptoms for 3 months, got every test done. Sometimes, I feel think I am going to lass out. One neurologist says it is stress and anxiety, the other says its not bad. Tried meditation. Looking at trying magnesium. Have you tried anything new to help releive your symptoms? Read that early menopause could result in tremors

[Nikhiljay]

Hi,

I have this issue too and wondering what to do about it.

My head jerks when I try to concentrate on something. Especially noticeable when I stare at a small letters while reading etc. I also sometimes feel a heaviness/pressure in my head during that time.

I have noticed that this head jerk is prominent when I have not slept very well the previous night. Interestingly, it is even more prominent when I overslept the following day! Have you noticed anything like that?

I am wondering if this became worse when I started trying to meditate. Been hearing about all the health benefits of meditation a lot. So I have been trying it on and off for a few years. I don't think there have been a systematic research on the negative effects of meditation.

[Micona]

Hello! I have the same problem head shaking, poor is not vidiak no informed opinion in this forum. I heard from an old woman that can help yogurt from the Balkan peninsula selvages lacto bacilli. But it is there only Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia These germs live in milk only 24 hours fused starter culture

[Micona]

Hello! I have the same problem head shaking, poor is not vidiak no informed opinion in this forum. I heard from an old woman that can help yogurt from the Balkan peninsula selvages lacto bacilli. But it is there only Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia These germs live in milk only 24 hours fused starter culture

[dmou604]

Has anyone else who is experiencing this "Head Shaking" syndrome noticed that they often seem to have a high level of adrenaline?  I asked this because I once read an article about this that suggests that our bodies produce higher levels of adrenaline than what's considered normal, which causes the head shaking.  I always seem to walk at a faster pace than everyone else, I move quickly and often have trouble sitting still so this explanation makes a lot sense to me.  I'm still researching ways that I can naturally reduce the adrenaline that my body produces.

[PatriciaRodgers]

I am having all there symptoms that everyone is saying as well, however I also grit my eat with it. I am female and 42, this has came on and has been going on for about 2 years. It gets worse when taking any type of opiate medication, so I don't take any of these unless absolutely necessary. I have to explain to people that I am not a meth addict and I am not going thru withdrawals, cause I have heard the whispers.

Mind do get worse with stress or aggravation. I have requested to been seen my a neuroligist, due the head shaking, nodding is killing my neck at times. In playful tones, my husband and family have nicknamed be "Daubber" cause I am always daubing my head.

I just want to know what it is. and if there is a cure. I am getting very annoyed with it. My husband at times thinks it is cute.

[lorrii18]

Have you fixed this problem? I have exactly the same problem for 2 years. Im only 18:(

[lorrii18]

Have you fixed this problem? I have exactly the same problem for 2 years. Im only 18:(

[dmou604]

When I was a small child I had Head-Shaking-Syndrome.  At the time doctors told my parents that they didn't know what caused it but that the condition usually goes away sometime after the child starts school.....and, It did.  When I was in my late 30's it came back and I noticed that it gets worst when I'm feeling stress.  I read somewhere that beta-blockers can help so I looked up natural beta-blockers and found pomegranate to be one but pomegranates aren't cheap and they aren't always in season.  I'm still searching for that reasonably price natural remedy.

[m14dmx]

Surely someone must have an update on this?

Did the magnesium chloride really work?

[Sugarbear67]

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 03 and as it progresses I noticed my head shaking left to right. It started when I would think no to a statement, or think something is wrong/negative response, but now it is happening a lot.

[sara82RN]

I have the neck tremor that occurs during stressful times or when I'm in pain. Mine started when I was a dental assistant. I noticed my head shaking while working over patients.  I could see my hair moving and then I became paranoid about it and it got worse. I saw a neurologist and he tried Parkinson meds, seizure meds, and tons of other benzos, etc. Nothing helps. I have tried sodium chloride in pill form. It's called Slow-mag. I get it from Wal-greens. It is helping a little bit.

[bev50]

I developed the same tremor in my early 30's & it went into remission when I started jogging.  It came back in my 50's & has gotten worse.  I am now 70.  I avoid going out unless I have to go to the store or doctor.  Botox treatments were very painful & didn't work.  See a Neurologist but he's run out of things to try on me.  Am taking Prozac & Diazapam.   Even tried taping sports tape real tight on the back of my neck (I dreamed that) but irritated my neck & itched.  I HATE it.  I just want to have a normal head.  I have been diagnosed with Cervical Dystonia.  Have trouble with eye exams etc.  needed gum surgery & DDS said he wouldn't work on me with my head tremor.  This is ruining my life.  Has started doing it when I'm riding my bike.

[drakeyd]

I don't know if this will help any one but I have found the route course for my head shaking this might apply to some one here after years and years if suffering with this horrible thing and trying to find out what brings it on well I've notice if I'm going through an extremely stressful time and it feels like every thing is building up I.e moving house, can't afford the bills ect (build up of stress) it's the after math of this. Like a come down and it's like a vicious cycle coz the head shaking which appears to be random stress you out even more I've suffered from this for a long time it's sound stupid but you need to learn to full relax and be stress free for a good few weeks (meditate or self hypnosis, charming CDs) it sounds mad but if you are like me then you will be prepared to try any thing it worked for me. It comes on after I've had a really stress full week but I know why and how to stop it