Vibration sensation in my head with falling sensation

[MaggieRose1983]

I often get a vibration sensation in my head that is very brief (a sec or few) and is accompanied by feeling like I might fall (almost feeling like I am being pulled down) . I have noticed that sometimes I feel like it's harder to move my body (especially hands and fingers) than normal for a little while afterward. I really have no idea what is causing this and it has been going on for about 5-6 years. It used to only be the falling feeling. The vibration sensation started about 3 years ago. Thank you to whomever takes the time to read and respond; I would really like to know what is going on, as it concerns me while driving...etc.

[MaggieRose1983]

Thank you. That is a lot to take in, and I know I need to get a primary physician again. I don't know where to start, but hopefully if I can find a good physician such as yourself locally, they will know. I am diabetic, but I do not take any medications; I control my blood sugar through diet and exercise and my A1c has stayed in a normal range. I have been dieting lately trying to lose weight that I have gained unexpectedly in the last year (40lbs). I am not sure what all is going on, but it just seems as though something is not right...possibly a slowing metabolism from getting older. Probably no relation, but just in case. Thank you again.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Of the causes mentioned above, a falling sensation is prominent with cervical spinal compression, carotid kinking, ear problems, sleep problems and low blood sugar.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!

I can understand your concerns and hope my answer helps you find the cause of vibrations. I wonder if this was ever investigated.

The first thing to check: Vibrations or jerks or tremors in the head can be due to a pinched cervical spinal nerve. I suggest you maintain a diary where you note in all your vibrations and what you were doing in the past few hours. Usually these vibrations will come when you are straining your neck as in using a computer or reading for long or driving. Treatment is a combination of physiotherapy, back exercises and maintaining good posture.

Other things to Check: Vibrations or a buzzy feeling can be a sign of multiple sclerosis. It can also be due to kinking or narrowing of carotid artery. The third possibility is an ear related cause such as tinnitus (wax in ear, Ménière's disease—less likely as there is no hearing loss and dizziness, otosclerosis, middle ear infections etc). Poor sleep pattern can cause a buzzy feeling to pass through head during the day.

Other less likely possibilities: Vibrations can also be felt due to low vitamin B12, electrolyte imbalance or peripheral neuropathies as seen in diabetes, hypothyroidism, Lyme’s or lupus. TIAs or transient ischemic attacks or mini strokes (less likely), hypoglycemia, disorders of calcium metabolism, hyperparathyroidism etc. should also be looked into.

A comprehensive investigation is required keeping all the points in mind. You will need blood sugar monitoring, MRI of brain and cervical spine, T3, T4, TSH, sleep studies, serum electrolytes, brain EEG, etc to reach a diagnosis. Please consult your doctor regarding this.

I sincerely hope you will find this information useful. Hope the cause of vibrations is found and treated soon! Good Luck and take care!