What are the treatments for sudden vibrations in the head?

Internal vibrations are like tremors (involuntary, repetitive and rhythmical movement) or shaking sensations that occur inside your body, which you can feel but not see them. The quivering sensation may be felt anywhere in your body, your head, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, or internal organs. These internal vibrations are thought to have the same cause as external tremors, where the nerves in your brain that control your muscles are damaged, but the shaking is too subtle to be seen. Some studies have suggested that internal vibrations are early, unusual symptoms of movement disorders, especially in people with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or essential tremor. Although they are not dangerous, they may cause discomfort in your daily life. As the severity varies from each person, some may not need treatment. The treatments for sudden vibration in head dizziness depends on an accurate diagnosis and treating the underlying cause.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disease that affects people over 60 years old due to the loss of brain cells producing dopamine, which is a chemical messenger that helps your body move smoothly. It is a chronic condition that progresses over time, and there is no cure. However, there are several treatment options to help slow the disease progress and control symptoms. Medications such as a combination of levodopa-carbidopa are used to replenish the brain’s dopamine supply, other drug options include bromocriptine, pramipexole, and ropinirole. In people who do not respond to medication or experience unpleasant side effects from the drugs, a surgery called deep brain stimulation (DBS) is recommended. During this procedure, electrodes are implanted in a person’s brain by a surgeon to stimulate targeted areas to relieve some symptoms of PD.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system as the body’s immune system attacks and damages the nerves. It usually develops between the ages of 20 and 40. The progress and symptoms of MS vary between individuals. There is no cure for this condition, but some treatments are available to prevent flares and control symptoms. After you are diagnosed with MS, a type of medication called disease-modifying therapy (DMT) is started as soon as possible and given regularly in the form of injectables (interferon beta-1a and 1-b, glatiramer acetate), oral (siponimod and fingolimod), or infusions (alemtuzumab and ocrelizumab) to reduce the number of flares in this disease. During a flare, steroid injections and certain medications such as muscle relaxants or tranquilizers are given to manage symptoms. Some exercise, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or assistive devices such as walking cane may also help improve the quality of life.

Essential tremor (ET) is the most common type of abnormal tremor that can develop at any age, more noticeable over the age of 40. It is associated with mild degeneration of the cerebellum which is the part of the brain that regulates the quality of a person’s movements. The mainstay of treatment is to reduce symptoms as there is no cure for ET. Medications such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, or tranquilizers can help reduce tremors, while physical or occupational therapies can help you gain better muscle control. DBS may also be helpful. It is also important to reduce known triggers with avoidance of alcohol, caffeine, or stress.

Finding the right treatment for your sudden vibrations in the head might involve some trial and error. If the first treatment option that you took does not work, go back to your doctor to try another treatment. The tremor might not go away completely, but you may be able to control it so that you can have a better quality of life.

Matthew Benson

Matthew Benson