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Why does my 9-month-old tilt his head forward repeatedly?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My nine-month-old baby has been repeatedly exhibiting a gesture that concerns me. While sitting, he suddenly raises his head all the way upward and then quickly tilts or jerks it forward toward his chest, as if sneezing or reacting to a stimulus, although there is no accompanying sound or actual sneeze. He performs this motion multiple times in succession and has done so on several occasions, including during playtime and while eating. He appears otherwise alert and responsive. I have recorded videos of the behavior for reference.

  1. Should I be concerned about this pattern of movement?

Please help me.

Answered by Dr. Prakash Chandra Girdhar Lal Nagar

Education:

MRCPCH UK

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prakash Chandra Girdhar Lal Nagar is a Pediatrician, having 42 years of clinical experience. He got tremendous experience in renowned hospitals in India, including Nanavati Hospital and Nair Hospital of Mumbai. Later, he worked as a Specialist Pediatrics in a very busy 450 bedded MOH hospital in Oman for more than 10 years. He worked as Specialist Pediatrics at JCI accredited MOH hospital of UAE, and he also has vast experience in Neonatology in Oman, UAE, UK, and Canada.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com

Based on the limited information provided, it would not be appropriate to draw any definitive conclusions at this stage.

A more detailed history is essential, and I would appreciate it if you could share the video you mentioned, as it would help in making a more accurate assessment.

The most important consideration is to rule out any seizure activity. Another possibility could be a simple tic, or perhaps someone previously played with the child using a similar motion, which the baby may have found enjoyable and is now imitating.

Please share the reports, and also let me know the following:

  1. Does your child have any skin conditions or birthmarks?

  2. Has he achieved age-appropriate developmental milestones?

  3. Has he ever vomited during this behavior?

  4. Has he passed urine or stool at the same time as exhibiting this movement?

Once I have the video and more detailed information, I will be able to offer more specific advice.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 19, 2025
Reviewed At July 22, 2025

Education:

MRCPCH UK

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prakash Chandra Girdhar Lal Nagar is a Pediatrician, having 42 years of clinical experience. He got tremendous experience in renowned hospitals in India, including Nanavati Hospital and Nair Hospital of Mumbai. Later, he worked as a Specialist Pediatrics in a very busy 450 bedded MOH hospital in Oman for more than 10 years. He worked as Specialist Pediatrics at JCI accredited MOH hospital of UAE, and he also has vast experience in Neonatology in Oman, UAE, UK, and Canada.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MRCPCH UK

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prakash Chandra Girdhar Lal Nagar is a Pediatrician, having 42 years of clinical experience. He got tremendous experience in renowned hospitals in India, including Nanavati Hospital and Nair Hospital of Mumbai. Later, he worked as a Specialist Pediatrics in a very busy 450 bedded MOH hospital in Oman for more than 10 years. He worked as Specialist Pediatrics at JCI accredited MOH hospital of UAE, and he also has vast experience in Neonatology in Oman, UAE, UK, and Canada.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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