Head shaking

[sierra1]

My 7 year old son is shaking his head every couple on second. We thought it is because he needed a hear cut. we took him to get the hair cut and it subsided a little for a couple weeks, but never went away. Now it is getting worse. People are noticeing his shaking. I really am concerned his friends are going to tease him. Is this something to be concered about? Could this be an indication of something medically wrong?

[Kestra]

Have you tried asking him about it?  He is most likely aware of it, and asking about it could eliminate some of the less serious causes.  It could simply be a habit he developed from copying a friend in school.

On the other hand, the first thing that comes to mine upon reading your description is Tourette Syndrome.  Some less likely possibilities may include Sensory Integration Dysfunction, or Epilepsy (Simple Partial Seizures).

I would ask him about it first though, perhaps it's just a bad habit.  If you are still concerned, then perhaps it would be best to visit your pediatrician.

`Kestra

[sierra1]

Kestra,
Thanks for writing. I have asked him about it, He says he can't help it.  I ask him to stop, and he says "what am I doing". I tell him he is shaking his head. I think I am going to make an apt w/ his Dr. just to rule anything out. I think I am bothered by it more then he is.

[sm001]

Hi , I am now 36 and this habit of shaking my head has come and gone three times in my life. The first was when I was about 7, then it came back at 20, then at 26. I feel like I have had it ever since though it seems more pronounced when I'm tired. If I am lying down with my head resting I can control it. I haven't seen a doctor about it but it might be time although it hasn't evolved into anything worse over the years!
This is the first time I have talked about it and I hope it gives you another angle on the subject.

[rilbrianne]

You need to speak to his pediatrician about it, it isn't normal and could be a sign of a medical problem.   How long has he been doing it?