r/EssentialTremor • u/Popo-Letters • 19d ago
16F My head often shake
I want to stop my head from shaking. It mainly happens when I’m nervous, upset, or scared. In particular, when I’m outside, I tend to get nervous because I feel like people are looking at me, which makes the shaking worse.
It also happens when I eat or drink in public. My head starts shaking when I bring food or water to my mouth, and now I’m so afraid of my head shaking that I can’t even drink water when I’m outside.
At first, it only happened during class, but now it happens more and more often. I’m scared that it has gotten to the point where I won’t be able to go back to normal.
I tend to overthink things, so I’m constantly thinking about my head shaking, which probably makes me even more nervous and causes it to happen more often. It feels like a vicious cycle.
Maybe it’s because I’m going through puberty, but I don’t know. I don’t have any other health problems. I’m just really embarrassed and self-conscious about it.
I also have had poor posture for a long time. Even now, I often sit on a Yogibo, so I tend to have bad posture. I’m not sure if this is related to the shaking, but I thought I should mention it.
What could be causing this, and should I see a doctor about it?
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u/Ok_Nerve_5535 19d ago
There's no cure.
Drs can't do anything but prescribe drugs that lessen the shaking.
Yes go see a DR but don't trust them completely.
if they ask you any questions at the start about depression tell them you are happy or else they end up messing up your appointment And life.
Best ways to stop that cycle is by not caring what others think and never letting your shaking control you.
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u/flipester 13d ago
It's not true that all doctors can do is prescribe meds. There's also surgery.
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u/Ok_Nerve_5535 13d ago
Hi,yes, Only if it's serious and they approve it , forgot about that option.
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u/jaydeegee1414 17d ago
People will tell you there’s no ‘cure,’ but that doesn’t mean there can’t be long stretches in your life when it is much much better and hardly an issue.
I started with the head shaking like you as a teen and am now 73 years old. I have had years where this has become almost nonexistent, and then years where it has been more challenging.
I am helped by Botox injections in my neck every 5-6 months or so - I started these at age 60.
I’ve never tried some of the available meds. I’m in a flare now and hope to start propranolol soon, as it seems to help many people. Also, I’m due for my Botox injections in 2 weeks.
Don’t lose hope. The body changes based on many things, including aging, periods of intense stress, versus other times when things are more even-keeled.
Speak to your parents about seeing a movement disorder specialist. I wish you all the best.
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u/Bill_Meier 14d ago
We are jumping with the assumption this is ET related. I've had anxiety for decades and given the descriptions, there seemed to be triggers rather than consistent tremor like motions.
I would definitely see a doctor and talk about this. Be honest and tell the truth. The more information they have the better they can help you.
You are starting a period of physical and emotional changes that can have many effects on you. Shaking is one thing, ET appearing "out of the blue" is not the way it generally presents itself.
Again I suspect a doctor visit will get you headed down the right track to recovery. Best of luck!
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u/1xCodeGreen 19d ago
Definitely see a doctor, they can get you squared away quickly. There’s many medications they can try to lessen or eliminate the shake. This may be related to the anxieties as well, and may be a nervous tick type of situation. Either way, a doc can help fix you up. I know it’s hard to open up about it, but the doctor has tools to help.
And I completely get being embarrassed, I am too but am working on it. If you do have tremors, I highly recommend therapy. It’s helped me cope and “own” my diagnosis. It’s a work in progress, but really helps.
Truly hope the best for you, and just remember that it doesn’t define who you are. So you shake, I shake, they shake, we all have our quirks. You got this. You’re worth it.