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What Causes Sudden Involuntary Jerks Of The Head?

Posted on Mon, 15 May 2017

Question: Weird, awfull surges makes me jerk my head
kaj1
I have these incredibly annoying jerks that I dont know if are seizures, because they end so quickly. Its practically every night when I og to bed. I jerk my head to the side, and they vary in "size". Sometimes they are big, and kinda starts in the upper stomach/lower chest area, and surges upwards followed by a twitch in the head. Feels almost like I am getting eletricuted but NO pain whatsoever involved. It also seems to affect breathing for a millisecond, and I feel that if I am midst swallowing, I cant make the swallow function if you understand?Its kinda like you get surprized you jump and get adrenaline feeling or butterflies in the stomach? But its over in a second. Just like woosh! Just dont feel right. Anyway- its not only when I am going to bed, it can occur when ever I am relaxed. Watching a Movie, in front of computer etc. I can also get some like this by sharp sudden noises etc.I also seem to be tensing my stomach muscles while driving for some reason. Am I having a stroke, epilepsy or what the hell is going on??
I have seen a neurologist, and he didnt know. He sent me to do an eeg, where they flashed a light in my eyes for a while but that didnt affect me in any way. Havent gotten any result but I did not have this during the eeg. At least no big ones, just very very small twitches when I was just layiong there. When shine lights in my eyes there was nothing.Please help me, to help my doctors what to look for. I am thinking maybe Lyme, or braindamage.

I have taken MRI a couple years ago, and it showed nothing wrong.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Upload videos of movement

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
Please upload a video of movement.
Seizure is not a possibility if all investigations are normal.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (7 hours later)

Trying to upload video now. But it says too big file.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consult help desk

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You can consult help desk.
You can also upload video and send links of Google Drive or you tube.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Brief Answer:
Get evaluated and examined by a psychiatrist or neurologist

Detailed Answer:
hello,
I have gone through your video.
The Movement may be due to tics or Tourettes syndrome or dystonia.
Psychogenic movement can not be ruled out.
you need to consult a psychiatrist or neurologist.
Anxiety treating medicines may have some benefits.
Regards
Dr N Kumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (23 hours later)

Hi.
Okay.
I HAVE been at a neurologist who did not know. So he sent me to EEG where they shined a light in my eyes. I am going to a new EEG without sleeping the night before.

So you, from reading my information given, don't think this can be myoclonic or tumor related?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get evaluated, visit to a psychiatrist too

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If brain imaging is normal then tumor is ruled out.
The type of movement is very unlikely for a myoclonic jerk.
EEG can be repeated as planned with sleep deprivation as it increases the chances of positive findings.
Clonazepam can be tried as it works in myoclonus and anxiety too.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj