Vibration in the body is called tremor. Often, this condition is associated with Parkinson’s disease and attacks the hands. However, tremors can also occur in the head. When the head shakes, there are several conditions that can cause it, ranging from essential tremor to the use of drugs.
The condition of the head shaking constantly is actually not dangerous. Even so, it is undeniable that this situation can disrupt your daily life and make you feel uncomfortable. But don’t worry, shaking your head is a condition that might still be overcome.
Head trembling is often caused by essential tremor
Essential tremor is the most common cause of head shaking. This condition can occur when the nerves have a disorder that causes vibrations to occur randomly without being able to be controlled. Besides the head, essential tremor can also occur in the voice box, hands, tongue, and chin. This type of tremor rarely occurs in the lower limbs.
As long as it doesn’t interfere with your daily activities, your head that shakes frequently is considered harmless. However, if this condition is severe enough to bother you while you are eating or doing other activities. Then you should immediately consult a doctor to get treatment.
More than half of the cases of essential tremor are caused by genetic mutations. Thus, this condition is often referred to as familial tremor or decreased tremor in the family. Until now no further known causes of essential tremor besides genetic factors.
Treatment for head tremors due to essential tremor
In the condition of a trembling head caused by essential tremor, some of the treatments below can be done to help reduce the frequency of tremors.
1. Consumption of medicines
Several types of drugs are considered effective for reducing essential tremor, such as:
- Gabapentin
- Propranolol
- Primidone
- Topiramate
- Diazepam
- Lorazepam
- Aplrazolam
For tremors that occur in the head, botox injections are also considered effective enough to reduce the frequency of the appearance of vibrations in the head.
2. Operation
If the tremor is severe enough, treatment with surgery can be an option. During surgery, doctors can attach special devices that will be connected to the part of the brain, which regulates the working of muscles.
3. MRI therapy
Therapy using MRI-guided Focused High Intensity Ultrasound will target the part of the brain that regulates the work of muscles to be repaired.
In addition, you are also advised not to consume substances that can trigger tremors, such as alcohol and caffeine. Some people also feel the condition of the tremors subside after taking steps to relieve stress.
If the condition of the vibrating head that you experience is not too severe and has not been to interfere with daily activities, then treatment is usually in the form of periodic observation.
Causes of head shaking in addition to essential tremor
In addition to essential tremor, some of the conditions below are also believed to cause frequent shaking of the head:
- Cervical dystonia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
- Head injury
- Multiple sclerosis
Stopping the consumption of drugs that have long been used can also cause the head to vibrate. Most often, this condition arises after a person stops taking antidepressant drugs, such as:
- Sertraline
- Escitalopram
- Fluoxetine
In addition to antidepressants, several cases of a shaking head were also reported on the cessation of the use of alprazolam, amphetamine salts and ecstasy.
When should you see a doctor if your head feels shaking?
If the head that vibrates constantly makes you uncomfortable and disrupt your daily activities, consult a doctor immediately. Your doctor will look for the exact cause of your condition.
To establish a diagnosis of tremor in the head, the doctor can instruct you to undergo a CT scan or MRI. This examination is done to see signs of abnormalities such as stroke, tumor, or multiple sclerosis in the head.
A special type of examination called DaTScan can also be performed to distinguish the vibrations that you experience, caused by essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease. Blood tests can also be done if the doctor suspects the possibility of hyperthyroidism or Wilson’s disease.
After knowing the cause of the head vibrate, the doctor will perform treatment in accordance with the background of the condition you are suffering from. Just like the treatment of essential tremor, treatment for other causes of head shaking is also done through administration of drugs and surgery, if needed.