What Does Jerking Of Head From Side To Side By An Infant Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 21 Apr 2015

Question: My baby girl is 7.5 months old. She is doing great, she was a 30 week preemie. In utero, she was diagnosed with ventriclegomy with no other brain issues. We have followed up with neurosurgeon and he has pretty much ruled out hydrocephalus. Her head size in normal and she is developing normally.

Over the last week, she started moving her head quickly from side to side (like shaking her head "no"....she is also twisting from side to side like a beetle on it's back...is this something neurological?

Her twin brother does the same twisting on his back and his physical therapist said it was because his back muscles are over development compared to his core muscles and nothing to worry about, but not sure if it's the same issue

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Observe her and if this persists get her evaluated

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query

There can be so many causes of this type of neck movement.
As babies cannot speak like adults they express themselves (their emotion,distress and demands )by nonspecific movements and gestures.
As baby grows she achieve different milestones like neck holding and turning,sitting with or without support,rolling over,standing with or without support. Few babies enjoy to do the recently achieved milestones or a particular movement and this should not be taken as an abnormality.
Infants are a good mimickers and they imitate their peers or parents. This may also be a reason that she has learnt this from his twin brother.
Few behavioral abnormalities (like autism) or physical abnormalities(like muscle spasm) can also present with this kind of movement,but this will be too early to comment on this.That is why a baby should be evaluated in all aspects like motor,social,speech and behavioral development over a period of time not at a point, for correct assessment.
As you have got her evaluated by the neurosurgeon and they clear her, also there is no other abnormality. I would suggest you to observe her for next 2-3 weeks and if the condition persists get her evaluated by a pediatrician.
I shall be glad to answer if you have any more doubts.
Wish you and your family good health
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (34 minutes later)

She also currently is recovering from an ear infection....could this be the cause?

You mentioned autism? What are signs or autism in a baby this young?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Resolving ear infection may also be a cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Welcome again

Don't get worried. I just put the possibilities and this does not mean that she is suffering from that particular condition. As parents are the best teachers and also a very good observers,every parent should know the developmental milestones grossly and if there is any abnormality early consultancy with physician is needed.
Although it is too early to label a baby with autism but there are few warning signs that can indicate the future autism. These are - not making eye contact, not smiling, not able to babble by age of 8-9 months and appearing different in development and behaviour from other siblings.
It is better to assess in different aspects and over a period of time as sometimes it could be nothing at all.
This neck movement may be due to resolving ear infection as well.
So don't get worried and observe your child.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E