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
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                                                       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.

[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.