Head tremor may look like a small matter, but for many people it can affect daily life and self-confidence. Shaking of the head that cannot be controlled may be a sign of a variety of health problems, from stress to neurological disease that needs serious care. This article will take you through the causes, the symptoms, and the approaches to treating head tremor comprehensively, so that you can look after your own health appropriately.

Head tremor

What kind of head tremor do you have?

Before understanding the cause of head tremor, it is important to recognise the character of the symptoms you have, because each type of tremor may point to a different health problem. Observing the symptoms in detail helps the doctor diagnose correctly and more quickly.

Shaking that cannot be controlled

Shaking of the head that cannot be controlled usually arises unexpectedly. It may come in episodes, or continuously throughout the day. The shaking may be horizontal, like shaking the head, or vertical, like nodding. The severity differs from person to person: some shake so slightly that it is barely noticeable, while in others it is clear enough to affect daily life.

Shaking only at rest, or shaking on movement

The moment at which the tremor occurs is important in diagnosis. Some kinds of tremor occur only when still, particularly while resting, which may be a sign of Parkinson's disease, while a tremor that occurs on movement or when trying to do something, such as picking up an object, may point to other problems, such as essential tremor or a disorder of the cerebellum.

Other accompanying symptoms to notice, such as dizziness or headache

Besides the tremor, you should notice other symptoms occurring with it, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or a feeling that the body is not in balance. These may point to a more serious problem, such as a disorder of the nervous system or a problem in the part of the brain controlling balance. Noting these symptoms helps the doctor to diagnose and plan treatment effectively.

Head tremor

The 7 main causes of head tremor

Head tremor may arise from a variety of causes, from a genetic disorder to a side effect of medicine or a state of stress. Understanding these causes helps us identify the problem and choose suitable treatment. The following are the 7 main causes most often found.

1. Essential tremor

Essential tremor is the most commonly found cause of head tremor, particularly in older adults. It usually arises from a disorder of the nervous system that controls movement, and often runs in the family. The tremor usually appears when trying to do an activity, such as picking up an object or raising the arm, and is usually worse with stress or tension. Although the condition is not life-threatening, it may affect quality of life and daily activities.

2. Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disease arising from the degeneration of the brain cells that produce dopamine, an important neurotransmitter in controlling movement. The prominent symptom of Parkinson's disease is a tremor that occurs when still, particularly in the hand and the head. There are other accompanying symptoms as well, such as slowed movement, muscle rigidity, and problems with balance. Parkinson's disease must be diagnosed and treated by a specialist physician, in order to slow the severity of the disease and keep quality of life as good as possible.

3. Cervical dystonia

This condition arises from abnormal contraction of the neck muscles, so that the head tilts or turns to one side without being controlled. The symptoms usually come in episodes and may be followed by pain. The exact cause is not yet known clearly, but it may relate to a disorder in the part of the brain controlling movement. Treatment may use botulinum toxin injection to relax the contracted muscle, or physiotherapy to restore the function of the neck muscles.

4. Cerebellar dysfunction

The cerebellum has the task of controlling balance and the coordination of movement. When this part of the brain works abnormally, tremor of the head and trunk arises, particularly when trying to do an activity that needs precision. The cause of the disorder may be stroke, a brain tumour, or degeneration of the cerebellum. Treatment depends on the true cause, and may need care from a medical team of several specialties.

5. Adverse drug reactions

Some medicines may cause tremor as a side effect, particularly medicines affecting the nervous system, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, immunosuppressants, or medicines for asthma. If you notice that a tremor began after starting a particular medicine, you should consult your doctor about adjusting the dose or changing to a more suitable medicine. Do not stop the medicine yourself without consulting the doctor.

6. Hyperthyroidism

When the thyroid gland works too much, the body has more thyroid hormone than it needs, producing various symptoms such as palpitations, weight loss, heavy sweating, and tremor of the hand and head. A blood test to measure the level of thyroid hormone helps diagnose this condition. Treatment may use medicine to control the working of the thyroid gland, or in some cases the gland may have to be removed surgically.

7. Stress, anxiety, and mental exhaustion

Stress and anxiety can trigger a temporary tremor, particularly in people who are highly sensitive to stress. Not sleeping enough, working too hard, or drinking too much caffeine may also cause tremor. These symptoms usually disappear by themselves when the body has rested enough and the stress has decreased. Managing stress with relaxing methods, such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise, helps reduce the symptoms.

Diagnosing the cause of head tremor

When head tremor disturbs daily life, seeing a doctor for a correct diagnosis is important. The doctor will use several methods to find the true cause of the symptoms, in order to plan the most suitable treatment for each individual patient.

Detailed history taking and physical examination

The doctor will begin with a detailed history of the symptoms, including when they began, the character of the tremor, what makes it better or worse, the history of medication, and the family history of illness. Then there will be a physical examination to assess the working of the nervous system, muscle strength, and balance.

Blood tests to find an abnormality

Blood tests help check the level of thyroid hormone, sugar levels, and other substances that may be the cause of the tremor. Blood tests also help screen for other diseases that may affect the nervous system, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or a vitamin deficiency.

Examination of the nervous system and brain

A specialist in the nervous system will assess the working of the brain and nerves in detail, including tests of movement, balance, and the coordination of the body. This examination helps identify which part of the nervous system the tremor arises from.

MRI or CT scan of the brain (where necessary)

Where a tremor is suspected to arise from a structural problem in the brain, such as a tumour or a disorder of the cerebellum, the doctor may order brain imaging with MRI or CT scan, to see the internal structure of the brain in detail and help plan suitable treatment.

Current approaches to treating head tremor

Treatment for head tremor differs according to the true cause of the symptoms. There are now a variety of treatments that can effectively help relieve the symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. The doctor will choose the most suitable treatment according to the severity and the cause of the condition.

Treating the cause that has been found

Once the exact cause of the head tremor is known, treatment focuses on correcting the problem at its root. If it arises from an overactive thyroid, the thyroid disease must be treated back to a normal state. If it arises from a side effect of medicine, the medicine may have to be changed or stopped. If it is Parkinson's disease or essential tremor, it must be treated with specific medicines and rehabilitation.

Using medicine to control and relieve the tremor

There are several medicines that can help reduce tremor, such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and other medicines that help control the working of the nervous system. The doctor will consider which medicine is suitable according to the type and severity of the symptoms, usually starting from a low dose and gradually increasing as necessary. The patient may need time to find the medicine that suits them best.

Botulinum toxin injection

For patients who also have contraction of the neck muscles, injecting botulinum toxin into the contracted muscle helps relax it and reduce the tremor. This method is effective with few side effects, but may have to be repeated every 3-6 months, because the effect of the medicine gradually wears off. The injection should be given by a specialist physician, for safety and the best result.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy has an important part in helping patients with head tremor. The physiotherapist designs a programme of exercise and skill training to improve control of movement, increase the strength of the neck and back muscles, and train balance. Rehabilitation in this way helps the patient do daily activities better and have a better quality of life.

At PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic we have specialist physicians in rehabilitation medicine ready to give comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation, together with modern treatment technology, such as:

Rehabilitation for patients with stroke

For patients with head tremor after a stroke, at PYONG Clinic we have a specialist rehabilitation programme (neurorehabilitation) consisting of:

  • Robotic exoskeleton gait training (Robotic Exoskeleton Gait Training), which helps patients with walking problems train walking safely and effectively, with the level of difficulty adjusted to the patient's ability
  • Robotic hand and coordination training (Robotic Hand Neurorehabilitation), which helps restore the use of a hand and fingers that are weak or difficult to move
  • Occupational therapy, to train the skills of daily living and various activities, so that the patient can care for themselves more
  • Physiotherapy by specialist physiotherapists, who design an individual exercise programme to increase strength, flexibility, and balance

Self-care to ease head tremor

Besides medical treatment, appropriate self-care also helps ease head tremor. Changing certain habits and aspects of daily life may significantly reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms.

Managing stress and resting enough

Stress is one factor that makes tremor worse. Finding an effective way to manage stress is therefore important. Meditation, deep breathing, or doing an activity you enjoy helps relax the mind. In addition, sleeping enough — at least 7-8 hours a night — helps the nervous system rest and work better. Quality sleep helps reduce tremor arising from exhaustion.

Avoiding caffeine and stimulants

Caffeine and other stimulants can make tremor worse. Reducing or avoiding coffee, tea, energy drinks, or medicines containing caffeine helps reduce the symptoms. If you must drink something containing caffeine, limit the amount and avoid it in the afternoon or evening, so that it does not affect your sleep.

Training balance and exercising the neck muscles

Exercise to build the strength of the neck muscles and train balance helps reduce tremor. Simple neck exercises, such as rotating the neck gently, bending and lifting the head slowly, or stretching the neck muscles, should be done regularly every day. Walking, yoga, or activities that train balance are also useful in controlling tremor.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about head tremor

Is head tremor life-threatening?

In general, head tremor is not directly life-threatening, but it may be a sign of a disease that needs treatment, such as Parkinson's disease. Left untreated, it may affect quality of life and the ability to do daily activities. So if you have an abnormal tremor you should consult a doctor to find the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Can head tremor be prevented?

Head tremor arising from certain causes, such as stress or a side effect of medicine, can be prevented by managing stress, resting enough, avoiding stimulants, and being careful with medication. However, tremor arising from a genetic disease or degeneration of the nervous system may be hard to prevent, though looking after your health well overall helps reduce the risk.

With what symptoms should you see a doctor?

You should see a doctor promptly when head tremor appears suddenly, is severe, or tends to worsen, or when there are other symptoms with it, such as dizziness, severe headache, slowed movement, or weakness of an arm or leg. In addition, if the tremor disturbs daily activities or affects quality of life, you should consult a doctor for assessment and an appropriate treatment plan.

Summary

Head tremor may arise from a variety of causes, from stress to neurological disease that needs serious treatment. Understanding the cause and the character of the symptoms helps in choosing suitable treatment. If you have a head tremor that disturbs daily life, you should not ignore it and should consult a specialist physician soon.

At PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic we are committed to providing comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation with a medical team of several specialties, including neurologists and experienced rehabilitation medicine physicians, together with modern and comprehensive treatment technology.