What is a head tremor?

A head tremor is a shaking of the head from side to side or up and down, according to The Dystonia Society. Sometimes the movement has a regular rhythm, while other times it is erratic. The conditions "essential tremor" and "dystonia" are often characterized by head tremors.

Essential tremor is a disorder of the nervous system, Mayo Clinic states. These regular tremors typically appear in the hands, but they sometimes involve other body parts, including the head. Although at times they interfere with daily life, essential tremors are not dangerous.

Dystonic head tremors are irregular and appear in people with neck dystonia, explains The Dystonia Society.

Although they are not certain, researchers theorize that dystonia is due to damage or abnormalities in the brain regions that control movement, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke advises.