Feeling Shaky or Earthquake Sensation While at Rest: A Neurological Concern - Neurology

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Feeling like the body is swaying or experiencing tremors while at rest?


Since the earthquake on March 22, I have been feeling a constant sensation of my body swaying, whether I am sleeping or sitting.
At night, my heart beats very strongly while I sleep, causing my body to sway even more.
I previously underwent a cardiac ultrasound, and the doctor mentioned that my heart beats a bit stronger than average, but there were no significant abnormalities.
I do not experience dizziness, headaches, or any injuries, and there is no family history of disease.
My appetite is normal, and I have not lost weight, but I do suffer from severe nasal allergies, sneezing continuously for nearly 10 times every morning.
Therefore, I am wondering if this could be a case of autonomic nervous system dysregulation.
I would appreciate your assessment, thank you!

yuky, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/24

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology


Hello Yuky: It is recommended to visit a neurologist to check for any neurological dysfunction.

Reply Date: 2022/03/24

More Info


Feeling shaky or experiencing an earthquake sensation while at rest can indeed be a concerning neurological symptom. Based on your description, it appears that you have been experiencing these sensations since the earthquake on March 22, which may have heightened your awareness of bodily sensations. The shaking feeling, especially when you are at rest, could be attributed to several factors, including anxiety, vestibular disorders, or even autonomic nervous system dysregulation.

Firstly, it is important to consider the psychological impact of experiencing a significant event like an earthquake. Such events can lead to heightened anxiety or stress responses, which may manifest physically. Anxiety can cause a range of symptoms, including tremors, palpitations, and a general sense of unease. The fact that you feel your heart racing at night could be a sign of anxiety or panic, which can also contribute to the sensation of shaking or feeling unsteady.

Secondly, your history of severe nasal allergies could also play a role. Allergies can lead to chronic inflammation and sinus issues, which may affect your vestibular system—the part of your inner ear that helps control balance. If your vestibular system is compromised, it could lead to sensations of dizziness or shaking, especially when you are at rest.

Additionally, you mentioned that you have undergone a cardiac ultrasound, which showed that your heart beats more forcefully than average but without any significant abnormalities. This could indicate that your heart is responding to stress or anxiety, which might be exacerbating your symptoms. While your heart appears to be structurally normal, the forceful heartbeat could contribute to the sensation of shaking, especially if you are experiencing anxiety.

Given that you have no history of dizziness, headaches, or family history of neurological disorders, it is less likely that your symptoms are due to a serious neurological condition. However, the combination of your symptoms—shaking sensations, forceful heartbeat, and severe nasal allergies—suggests that a comprehensive evaluation by a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may be beneficial. They can assess for any vestibular dysfunction or other neurological issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.

In the meantime, managing your anxiety through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or cognitive behavioral therapy may help alleviate some of the sensations you are experiencing. Additionally, addressing your nasal allergies with appropriate medications or treatments could improve your overall well-being and potentially reduce the shaking sensations.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be concerning, they could be related to anxiety, vestibular issues, or autonomic nervous system dysregulation rather than a serious neurological condition. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is recommended to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.

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