Head Bobbing/Jerking - 10 mo.old boy

[RIVEEMI]

I'm new to this site, but did a google search on head bobbing, and found a post by another person ("UncleDad" post on Sept 3 about Head Jerking in a 9yo boy) who seems to have almost the exact same situation going on as myself, only my son is much younger.

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 down and then up, (or up and then down - it happens both ways) 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's definitely involuntary. Tonight he was standing up in the bathtub and he suddenly did the head bob, and I heard his teeth click together - so I don't think it's something he's doing on purpose.

Like the other person's posting, he does seem 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 yesterday, 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 also read in the other person's post that a magnesium rich diet might help 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!!

[mellymel12687]

did u ever figure out what was wrong with ur son and his head bobbing??? my 1 yr old has been doing this for months and i have an mri schedule for next month....

[elm71]

My 8-month old daughter has just started doing the same thing! Today is the Sunday before Memorial day and she suddenly started this on Friday. It is exactly as you describe it a head bobbing forward and then up like when you fall asleep sitting up, or a strange tick. She blinks her eyes too. It is definately involuntary. She has hit her forehead and it almost knocks her down when she is standing (she loves to pull up and stand). I am trying to catch it on video tape to show the doctor. I am VERY worried. If you learn anything, please let me know!