Head Bobbing/Jerking - 10 mo old boy

[RIVEEMI]

My son is 10 months old, and about a week or two ago, I noticed he is doing a strange head bobbing. The way I describe it, it's like when you're driving your car and start to fall asleep at the wheel but catch yourself by jerking yourself back awake? It's like that - his head will suddenly jerk up and down, usually 2-4 times. I think it seems to happen more when he's tired, but I have yet to learn an exact pattern. It doesn't seem to both him at all, but it seems to be involuntary.

He seems to do it more when he's tired or when he's concentrating on something (although I'm not sure how much "concentration" a 10-mo-old can do!). I did take him to see the pediatrician the other day, and she didn't really make a diagnosis one way or the other. She did refer us to a neurologist, and he has an appt in January. In the mean time though, I'm just nervous. Just worrying about all the things it could be and hoping for a little reassurance that this isn't something TOO serious. I worry that it could be Tourrete's, or epilepsy, or worse yet, a brain tumor or something equally serious. I just get a pit in my stomach when I think of what it could be. I've heard a few people say their babies did the same thing at his age and later grew out of it, so I hope that is the case.

I feel I'm on the right path by taking him to the neurologist next month, but I guess in the mean time, could someone just help me answer these questions: Does this sound like something normal that he'll just grow out of? What  possible conditions/disorders could this be? (such as the ideas I listed above or other)

I read that a magnesium rich diet might help with tics, if that is indeed what this is. Would that be helpful at his young age? If so, what foods are rich in magnesium that I can get him? I think nuts is one, but that's on the "no-no" list until he's a year old, so what other foods could help? I appreciate any ideas or words of wisdom (and comfort!) anyone could please offer, as I'm quite the worried mommy here!!

[Annonymous567]

Also as a little more information, it only happens when people are staring at me, after a workout, and when I lay down to go to sleep. Hope this helps some. Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.

[Annonymous567]

Hi. This is my 1st post here, so sorry if this is in the wrong section or something like that.  Im 19 and I have the same head bobbing/twitching thing too.  I think mine is a more advanced version though as it just started happening recently. I just thought it was stress causing my body to tense up and cause my head to bob/twitch at first. Its not just my head either. I sometimes twitch my leg randomly too, especially in public places. I hope its nothing serious. I think it has something to do with anxiety but Im not sure. Any advice as to what I should do would be helpful

[Kelly926]

I just read your post and it sounds very similiar to my almost 10-month old son.  I noticed the head bobbing about 2 months ago.  I have not found any rhyme or reason for it - I do wonder if it was when he was more tired though.

I am concerned and plan on scheduling an appointment with his pediatrician.  I plan on video taping it first.  

Did you ever get a diagnosis?

[worry_mammy]

My daughter is 8 months. Since last saturday, I found her bob head which is like your description. And from yesterday, she bobed her head frequency. My husband brought her saw the pediatri, the doctor said her nod looks normal that means do not like infantile spasms. But i still very worry about it. When i saw her bob head, i feel nervous. Should i make a appointment with Neurologist? hope she stop nod head soon.  

[crystalhanzelka]

Could be hydrocephalus/Intracranial Hypertension.  I have Intracranial Hypertension and when the CSF pressure is high I could see a baby without developed neck muscles bobbing there head.  The good news is these are easily treated.  I said a prayer for you and your son.  Keep us posted.

[ILADVOCATE]

See what the diagnosis is first before you make any diet changes. It could be any number of things but its highly unusual for Tourrette's to occur in infants. But after you have a diagnosis from the doctor then perhaps any suggestions could be made as regards diet but its best to be careful with supplements for infants, other than a standard vitamin supplement made and authorized specifically for infants because they react to specific dosages of vitamins in a strong way as they do to medications so what might be safe in an adult wouldn't be for an infant. Ask a doctor first. And as to any specific diagnosis the neurologist after performing some simple tests should be able to tell.