What Causes Head Tremors?

Posted on Sat, 7 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 6 Mar 2015 Answered on

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I am 55 and for the past 20 years have been told my head shakes when I write and in recent years when I am eating or getting photo taken. My hands and voice are fine. Condition really hasn't worsened in years. But the more I think about it the worse it seems to get

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (-2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

Considering the fact that your head tremor has been there for many years , it is not progressive ,and you don't have any other complain ,makes it really unlikely to be related to any neurological disorder.

In your case the most possible causes would be :
-Essential Tremor
-Isolated distonic head tremor
If you have never had any problem with your neck like spasm of neck muscle ,pain ,it is less likely to be due to to cervical dystonia.

The most probable cause in your case is essential tremor.The cause of this condition is unknown.
I would suggest to consult a physician for examination so he can exclude any other cause for this including any problem with neck muscles.
After this ,if the symptoms are not severe and don't interfere with your daily life you may not need treatment .Otherwise there are treatment options to improve the symptoms.

This is nothing to worry about ,just try to relax.Stress and anxiety can make the tremor worse.

Hope it helps,
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar