Tremor of the head in adults and children: how to get rid of, folk remedies, pills, exercises

If a person has uncontrollable rhythmic twitching or shaking of the head, then they say that they have a "head tremor." This term is used for any involuntary vibrations of varying amplitude - from trembling to slow swaying.

Epidemiology

According to statistics, head tremors most often appear in people who drink alcohol excessively, or suffer from Parkinson's disease, hyperthyroidism, or Wilson's disease.

Most patients with this symptom are elderly and senile people (over 65 years old).

Head tremor occurs in 35-45% of all cases of essential tremor. Moreover, more than half of the cases are related to hereditary pathologies. Evaluation of hereditary cases often indicates an autosomal dominant inheritance variant, but it was possible to accurately identify the genetic anomaly only in individual patients.

The most common cases of head tremor are in Scandinavian countries, the former Soviet Union, and India. The least number of patients are registered in the United States and Italy.

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Causes head tremor

Uncontrolled head vibrations occur for many reasons, which determines the form of this pathology.

Thus, the cause is often endocrine disorders, serious diseases of the liver and/or kidneys, as well as respiratory organs.

Chemical intoxication is also accompanied by a similar symptom in many cases.

Head tremors during anxiety can occur as a result of an unstable autonomic nervous system: in addition to trembling, this condition can be expressed in unmotivated capriciousness, excessive emotionality, and nervousness.

• Head tremors in osteochondrosis occur due to impaired blood flow and deterioration of trophism caused by pinched spinal nerve fibers. Along with tremors, swelling of the face and problems with cardiac activity may be observed.
• Tremor of the hands and head often bothers patients with alcohol or drug addiction, as well as people prone to stress and fear. Sometimes this condition is caused by an overdose of certain medications - for example, bronchodilators or psychotropic drugs.
• Neck and head tremor is almost always associated with cervical osteochondrosis. This disease affects a huge number of people, since the factors for the development of the disease are quite common: excess weight, eating unhealthy food, physical inactivity, mechanical damage to the spine, curvature of the spinal column (for example, with prolonged sedentary work).
• Head and leg tremors occur with endocrine disorders - with dysfunction of the pancreas, thyroid gland or adrenal glands. In addition, tremors in the legs and head occur with infectious lesions, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and also with the development of senile dementia.
• Head tremor when tilting can be a sign of panic attacks, neuroses, and also a consequence of neck and head injuries. This condition often occurs against the background of headaches, dizziness, and changes in blood pressure.
• Mild head tremor is usually the first sign of any pathologies in the body associated with disorders in the central nervous system, endocrine system, or metabolic processes. Mild twitching or shaking is an unfavorable symptom. If you ignore it and let it go, the tremor will only get worse over time and will cause much more problems and discomfort.
• Head tremor in a child of the first year of life is in most cases physiological, as it is associated with increased tone and imperfection of the baby's peripheral nervous system. This symptom is especially often observed in children born during rapid or, conversely, protracted labor, as well as in premature babies. If tremor in children is caused by pathological reasons (in particular, a disorder of the central nervous system), then a consultation with a pediatric neurologist is necessary.
• Head tremors in a one-year-old child may occur due to excitement, fear or other expressed emotions. In addition to head tremors, the lips, chin, arms and legs may twitch. If this condition is normal, it occurs episodically and is always closely associated with excessive tension in the child's nervous system. Episodes do not last long and pass on their own. In other cases, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor.
• Head tremor in teenagers is often associated with excessive mental stress, with some personal experiences. For example, nervous tension before exams or other important situations can affect it. If the tremor is accompanied by difficulty coordinating movements, severe headaches, irritability with signs of aggression, poor sleep, you should immediately consult a doctor.
• Head tremor in an elderly person can occur as a result of age-related degenerative changes in the brain, as well as Parkinson's disease or senile dementia. Only a specialist can accurately determine the cause of such a phenomenon based on the results of diagnostic studies.
• Head tremors are not usually seen during sleep, but in infants under 2 months of age, oscillatory movements may occur during the REM phase of sleep. At this age, such tremors are considered one of the normal variants, but in any case, it should be reported to the pediatrician.

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Risk factors

The main risk factors are:

1. presence of similar cases in the family;
2. excessive alcohol consumption;
3. drug addiction;
4. regular or chaotic intake of medications;
5. tendency to high blood pressure;
6. frequent or severe stress, anxiety, fear;
7. physical or mental exhaustion;
8. hormonal imbalances;
9. nervous pathologies.

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Pathogenesis

To explain the etiology and pathogenesis of head tremor, many theories have been proposed to date: the influence of psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, cortico-visceral, social and psychological, stress factors. However, none of the theories voiced can give a clear, comprehensive answer to the question of the origin of tremor.

Head tremors are classified into two types: benign and pathological.

Benign tremor is characterized by uncontrollable swaying in a calm or active state, or after a strong stressful situation. The attacks are characterized by periodicity, long remissions, and the absence of increasing dynamics.

Often, the patient does not notice benign tremors: people around him point them out.

Pathological tremor is associated with diseases and painful conditions and is their direct consequence. Pathological tremor leads to considerable discomfort and significantly worsens the quality of life.

Psychosomatics in head tremors is specific: a huge role is played by disorders of the functionality of organs and systems, as well as the impact of psychotraumatic factors such as stress, conflict situations, crises, etc.

If earlier only a small number of diseases were classified as psychosomatic disorders, now this “range” has become much wider. Thus, tremor often occurs under the influence of one-time or constant stress – in cases where there is a delay in the biological adaptation of the body to such situations. At the same time, stress is far from always conscious. Often, the decisive role is played by the internal hidden accumulation of afferent impulses – the result of a huge number of different irritants. Unfortunately, the general psycho-emotional background is far from always conscious and perceived by a person.

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Symptoms head tremor

Tremor can manifest itself in different ways, depending on the underlying cause of this condition. However, experts identify a number of signs that are considered typical for any variant of head tremor development.

The first signs may be expressed as follows:

• uncontrolled nodding of the head in one direction or another;
• futile attempts to control the trembling (on the contrary, as a result the situation may only get worse);
• absence of tremors during sleep or at rest;
• simultaneous uncontrolled twitching of the tongue and facial muscles;
• an increase in symptoms during an attack and their gradual subsidence.

Movements that a person cannot control themselves lead not only to physical but also to psychological discomfort. The patient loses self-confidence, becomes withdrawn, uncommunicative and irritable.

Forms

Depending on the causes and manifestations of tremor, experts distinguish several variants of generally accepted classification.

• Essential head tremor is also called familial: it occurs as a result of unfavorable heredity in this regard. This condition can be classified as benign. The main signs are rhythmic movements up and down, or to the sides: intellectual abilities are not impaired. Essential vibrations appear only in a state of tension or stress, mainly in old age.
• Dystonic head tremor can occur in a person at any age if they suffer from dystonia, a movement disorder in which uncontrolled muscle contractions lead to circular, repetitive movements. Dystonic oscillations are often observed when the patient assumes a certain position or moves the neck at a certain angle. The oscillations appear irregularly and can occur even in a calm state. The effect of such tremors can often be alleviated by touching the affected part of the body.
• Postural head tremor is observed mainly in people with problems with the vegetative function - for example, in overly anxious and suspicious people. This type of tremor can be a consequence of thyroid disease, medication and alcohol use, or is the result of a hereditary predisposition. Postural oscillatory movements tend to increase at the moment when a person tries to stop the tremors on their own.

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Complications and consequences

If the patient's mental abilities are preserved, then special complications are unlikely to be expected. However, over time, attacks of head tremors can lead to a decrease in the quality of life, loss of social communication.

If treatment is insufficient or incorrect, the pathological process often spreads to other organs and muscles.

Uncontrolled movements in many patients become more pronounced and intense. Difficulties arise not only in the professional sphere, but also in everyday life: the person becomes incapacitated.

Head tremor is a serious illness that requires immediate medical attention. This disease can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, speech and writing disorders, and curvature of the cervical spine. The motor amplitude gradually decreases, often accompanied by unbearable headaches and discomfort in the neck.

Tremor indicates that certain serious disturbances are occurring in the body that can lead to major problems: loss of speech function, inability to move the neck, disability.

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Diagnostics head tremor

Diagnosis is usually carried out by a neurologist: a neurologist or a neuropathologist.

To determine the cause of the tremor, the doctor will conduct a survey: find out under what circumstances the symptom first appeared, how long the tremor lasts, how often it recurs, what other symptoms occur.

After this, the doctor will examine the patient and assess the quality of his reflexes and reactions.

Additionally, the following studies are prescribed:

• Tests:

1. A general blood test will help to see signs of inflammation, which will allow indirect suspicion of an infectious or autoimmune pathology.
2. Blood biochemistry will indicate the possible presence of internal organ diseases that could cause damage to the nervous system. Particular attention is paid to such indicators as cholesterol level (affects atherosclerotic changes in intracerebral vessels), glucose level (vascular changes in diabetes mellitus), bilirubin level (toxic product of hemoglobin breakdown), creatinine and urea levels (kidney damage may be suspected), etc.

• Instrumental diagnostics:

1. X-rays, MRI and CT scans will help assess the condition of the brain structures and cranial bones, as well as the spinal column.
2. Electroencephalography reveals areas of the brain with abnormal activity.

Additionally, the doctor may prescribe consultations with specialists in other fields - for example, a vertebrologist (for disorders of the spinal column), a traumatologist (if the tremor is caused by an injury), an oncologist (if there is a suspicion of an intracranial tumor), a psychiatrist (if a mental disorder is suspected), an endocrinologist (if there is a suspicion of a thyroid disorder).

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis should be made with Parkinson's disease, Wilson's disease, and if tremor is detected in patients under 50 years of age, hepatolenticular degeneration must be excluded.

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Treatment head tremor

Treatment is prescribed to reduce the manifestations and decrease the frequency of pathological vibrations or head tremors.

The main treatment measures are:

• Normalization of the daily routine.

It is advisable to build a routine so that you fall asleep, wake up and eat at the same time every day. The diet should be balanced in terms of protein, fat and carbohydrate content, enriched with vitamins and minerals. It is necessary to balance the level of physical and mental activity, spend more time outdoors and in nature.

• Normalization of the psycho-emotional state.

It is necessary to reconsider your views on life, improve relationships with people around you, learn to think positively. Sometimes this requires the help of a psychologist.

• Taking medications.

Medicines are prescribed in cases where tremors are severe and recur frequently.

Medicines

If there is no obvious deterioration in the condition, many cases of tremor are successfully treated by taking sedatives both during the day and at night. In more severe cases, Primidone and Propranolol may be prescribed.

Taking into account the underlying cause of this condition, the doctor may use the following medications:

• Adrenergic blockers are used to treat patients with hypertension.
• Primidone is recommended for elderly patients. The daily dose of the drug should be at least 0.75 mg. Caution should be exercised during treatment, as side effects such as dizziness and vomiting may develop.
• β-blockers are used only when blood pressure is normal. The optimal dose is 40 to 100 mg of the drug. Side effects may include decreased blood glucose levels, bronchospasm, and allergies.
• Clonazepam is appropriate for convulsive syndrome, 1-2 mg up to three times a day. Side effects include sleep disturbances, headaches. A combination of Clonazepam and Propranolol is possible.
• Vitamin B ₆ is prescribed for increased nervous excitability. It is better to use injections of the drug, 4-8 mg per day.

Also, at the discretion of the doctor, drugs such as Anaprilin, Antelepsin or Diazepine-based drugs may be prescribed.

Botox for head tremors

The use of relatively small amounts of Botox (Botulinum toxin) is indicated in individual cases of tremor. As a rule, such treatment lasts about six months.

What does Botox do?

Injection of Botulinum toxin A reduces oscillatory amplitude in physiological tremor.

Injections of 50 U into the elbow fold area can achieve a softening of vibrations by more than 30% in almost half of the patients.

Many specialists strive to administer higher doses of the drug (up to 100 U).

Injections may be accompanied by side effects such as a feeling of weakness in the arms.

For patients with head tremor, it is recommended to administer the drug into the area of the strap and sternocleidomastoid muscles. The recommended dosage is 40-400 U.

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Grandaxin for head tremors

Grandaxin is a tranquilizer, a diazepine drug. It is considered a good means for regulating the psychovegetative state, helps to eliminate all kinds of vegetative disorders. The anxiolytic effect of the drug is not supplemented by a sedative and muscle relaxant effect.

Grandaxin is actively used to treat neuroses, depressive states, stress disorders, withdrawal syndromes, myasthenia and myopathies.

Grandaxin is usually prescribed in the amount of 50-100 mg (one or two tablets) up to three times a day. The maximum permissible daily dosage is 300 mg (for elderly patients - 150 mg).

Long-term use of the drug may cause dyspeptic disorders, sleep disturbances, and increased excitability.

Anaprilin for head tremors

Anaprilin is often used to treat arterial hypertension and heart rhythm disorders. The drug also has a good effect for the prevention or treatment of essential tremor: for these purposes, 20 mg is usually prescribed three times a day. If necessary, the doctor can increase the dosage to 40-80 mg 2-3 times a day.

Treatment may be accompanied by increased feelings of fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety and nervousness.

Anaprilin is taken in a course, after which the dose of the drug is gradually reduced so as not to cause withdrawal syndrome (characterized by angina attacks, increased blood pressure, and heart attack).

In patients with psoriasis, the drug may cause an exacerbation of the disease.

Sedatives for tremors of hands and head

Name of the drug	Description	Application and dosage
Valerian root, tincture	A drug that stabilizes the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, suppresses excitation and increases inhibition in the central nervous system.	The tincture is prescribed starting from the age of 3: For children, the number of drops should be equal to the number of years; Adults – 20-25 drops 3 times a day, with water.
Motherwort, tincture	The drug has a calming effect, normalizes cardiac activity, stabilizes blood pressure, and improves digestion.	The tincture is used from the age of 3. The exact dosage is determined by the doctor.
Sedistress (passion flower extract)	A drug with a calming ability that helps with stress, vegetative-vascular dystonia. Stabilizes the emotional background, helps maintain psychological balance.	Take 1-2 tablets daily orally, before meals, with water. For sleep disorders, take 2 tablets once half an hour before going to bed.

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Vitamins

To strengthen the nervous system and reduce the manifestations of tremor, doctors recommend including a separate series of vitamins in the diet. They can be obtained from food products. If this is not possible, then vitamin preparations should be purchased additionally, at the pharmacy.

• Vit. A helps strengthen neurons and slows down the development of age-related changes. This vitamin is found in large quantities in carrots, dried apricots, peaches, and eggs (specifically, in the yolks).
• Vit. B ₁ fights neuroses, absent-mindedness, and eliminates the consequences of numerous stressful situations. It can be found in oatmeal, buckwheat, dairy products, and kelp.
• Vit. B ₆ is especially necessary for children's nervous system. In adults, it prevents the development of sleep disorders. The vitamin is found in bananas, liver, prunes and oranges.
• Vit. B ₁₂ is necessary to maintain the nervous system at any age, and especially in the elderly. The vitamin can be obtained from seafood, chicken, liver, milk, eggs.
• Ascorbic acid is a "universal" vitamin, necessary for maintaining immunity and strengthening the nervous system. The vitamin is present in large quantities in citrus fruits, kiwi, melons, bell peppers, cabbage, tomatoes, and spinach.
• Tocopherol helps to "relieve" symptoms of fatigue and nervous exhaustion. Tocopherol is obtained by eating nuts, eggs, and vegetable oil.

In pharmacies, you can also buy complex multivitamin products - for example, Vitrum-Superstress, Vitabalans-Multivita, Pentovit, etc. However, they must be prescribed by a doctor, so it is better to visit him first for a consultation.

Physiotherapy treatment

A physiotherapist may suggest the following methods of influencing the body to eliminate pathological tremor:

• therapeutic exercise classes with exercises that involve the muscles of the neck, shoulder girdle, and back;
• relaxation and muscle stretching exercises;
• outdoor activities, aerobics, aqua aerobics;
• dance classes;
• swimming.

Special physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed depending on the underlying cause of the disease. This may include electrophoresis with medications, mud therapy, therapeutic sleep, magnetic therapy, etc.

Sanatorium and spa treatments and water procedures are welcome.

Folk remedies

Traditional healers offer many remedies to eliminate head tremors. The most useful recipes are considered to be the following options:

• Take 9 tbsp. oats, pour three liters of boiling water, place on low heat and boil for an hour. Then cover with a lid and leave for 8-10 hours, strain and use instead of tea or water. This infusion is good for calming and normalizing the nervous system.
• It is recommended to chew dried tansy flowers (other parts of the plant can be used, but the flowers have a more pronounced effect) daily for 15 minutes. There is no need to swallow the mass.
• It is useful to take baths and foot baths with decoctions of chamomile flowers, wormwood leaves, linden flowers, valerian rhizome. To prepare a decoction, take 10 tbsp. of the selected herb, pour 500 ml of boiling water and leave for about half an hour. Pour the filtered liquid into the bath. The bath procedure should last at least 15 minutes. It is great if it is in the evening, shortly before bedtime.

Herbal treatment

As part of collections, as well as independently, for the preparation of decoctions and infusions for tremors, you can use the following medicinal herbs:

• Amorpha subshrub – eliminates cramps, calms (especially recommended for eliminating nervous tremors).
• Valerian officinalis – has a sedative and calming effect on the central nervous system, normalizes the activity of the cardiovascular system, reduces reflex excitability and increases inhibitory reactions in the nerve cells of the brain structures.
• Passionflower has a pronounced sedative effect, helps with functional disorders of the nervous system, increased excitability, hyperkinesis.
• Peony evasive - a plant with pronounced anticonvulsant properties. It is used to treat patients with neurasthenic disorders, vegetative-vascular disorders.
• Blue Polemonium – reduces motor activity, decreases reflex excitation, improves the quality of sleep.
• Stefania - in recommended doses promotes muscle relaxation, increases the seizure threshold (care should be taken, as excessive doses of the plant can lead to the exact opposite effect).

Tansy flowers for head tremors

Tansy is the plant that is most suitable for eliminating pathological tremor. Treatment with tansy is easy and effortless: all you need to do is chew five or six flowers of the plant in your mouth every day. Chewing should last 15 or 20 minutes. You do not need to swallow the chewed flowers, they are spit out.

The duration of such non-standard treatment is at least one and a half months. The course can be repeated after a month's break.

The stated dosage should not be increased: large quantities of this plant can be toxic to the body.

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Homeopathy

The most optimal homeopathic remedy used to eliminate head tremors is Praseodymium silicicum 30, 30c, or Zincum silicicum 12, which is taken in the amount of three granules sublingually between meals in the first half of the day and at night.

There is evidence of positive results after taking Silicea 12 (also in the amount of three granules twice a day).

Homeopathic medicines are best selected individually, since such treatment is prescribed not only taking into account a specific pathology, but also depending on the constitutional and other characteristics of the sick person.

As a rule, homeopathic treatment is not accompanied by any side effects. However, there are reports of a small number of people who have had an allergic reaction to such drugs. This should be taken into account when taking tablets or granules for the first time.

Surgical treatment

Not all cases that are accompanied by tremors and head shaking require surgical treatment. This method is possible if the tremor is associated with operable pathologies of the spine (mainly the cervical spine), or with individual disorders in the functioning of the central nervous system. For example, some patients with particularly severe forms of the disease may be indicated for surgical stimulation of the cerebellum. The operation involves implanting special electrodes inside the thalamus, and introducing a programmed pulse generator subcutaneously into the collarbone area. The device works in such a way that it inhibits the conduction of impulses that provoke muscle twitching.

Surgery does not always go smoothly: individual postoperative complications are possible. For example, some patients experience speech impairment, worsening of finger motor skills and coordination abilities after surgery. Therefore, when agreeing to surgical treatment, it is necessary to first talk to the doctor and carefully weigh all possible risks and consequences of this step.

Exercises for head tremors

If the head tremor is caused by the patient's overly sensitive nervous system and his inability to control his emotions, then it is advisable to consult a psychotherapist. A specialist in this field will give the patient a number of recommendations that will allow him to take control of the tremor and minimize its frequency of occurrence.

Often in such situations, self-hypnosis exercises help: “I am not nervous, I am confident in myself and my abilities, I can control myself…”.

The patient needs to learn to stay in a relaxed state. To do this, the person should lie on his back and gradually relax all muscle groups. A good addition would be breathing exercises, as well as regular meditation practice.

A full course of such treatment often helps to get rid of stiffness, self-doubt, and low self-esteem, which will directly serve as a positive moment in eliminating head tremors.

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Yoga for Head Tremors

Eastern medicine specialists often recommend so-called finger yoga: such asanas (positions) are called mudras.

Head tremors can be eliminated by regularly applying just two mudras.

1. "Wind": press the base of the thumb to the tip of the index finger of the same hand. The thumb slightly presses the index finger from above. The other fingers should be straight, but not tense.
2. "Life": connect the thumb, ring finger and little finger. Keep the other fingers straight.

The exercises should be performed several times during the day. It is desirable that the atmosphere during the mudras be calm, and that the person himself not keep any worries or fears in mind. The best state for this purpose is a state of meditation. The sooner the patient starts such a practice, the better the final result will be.

Massage for head tremors

During the massage, such basic movements as stroking, rubbing, kneading and vibration are used. The session must begin and end with stroking.

All movements are performed from the distant sections towards the center.

Before the procedure, it is very important to prepare for it properly:

• The room needs to be ventilated for half an hour (if the time of year permits, the window may not be closed at all).
• The hands and nails of the masseur must be well-groomed and dry. All accessories must be removed from the hands.
• It is better to do the massage during active times – not before bed.
• The couch or bed on which the massage will be performed should be comfortable for the patient.
• The patient should not be irritated by anything: neither sunlight from the window, nor additional sounds or other factors. It is good if light music is playing and the light is dimmed.
• During the massage, you can use soothing aromatic oils or creams.
• To improve the effect, it is better to perform the massage immediately before taking a bath or shower.
• Using soft, gentle movements, massage the face (eyebrow and nose area), the back of the head, and the neck.

You can massage the entire surface of the back along the spine, as well as the limbs, including the feet and palms.

Prevention

The first and main condition in preventing tremor is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You need to say a firm "no" to alcoholic drinks, cigarettes and drugs in any form.

Your body will be grateful if you stick to a healthy daily routine that includes time not only for work but also for rest. You should allocate 7-9 hours of sleep at night (assuming you get enough sleep).

It is necessary to "temper" your nervous system: do not pay attention to negative circumstances, trying to experience only positive emotions. To do this, it is advisable to communicate only with pleasant people, watch only good films, find more positive moments in life.

Read educational literature, attend cultural events, diversify your social life – lead an active lifestyle, but do not overload yourself. Excessive physical activity, as well as an excess of emotions, will also not benefit the nervous system.

If you experience any suspicious symptoms, it is very important to visit a doctor in a timely manner.

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Forecast

It is possible to talk about the prognosis of such a symptom as head tremor only if you clearly know the cause of this condition. In any case, you should not hide or conceal this ailment: it is unlikely that you will be able to get away from the problem this way. Head tremor will not go away on its own, but it can get worse. Seek medical help at the first unfavorable signs: according to statistics, most such cases can be eliminated with timely diagnosis.