Is my horse a Headshaker?

pain using physical and oral examination radiographs nerve blocks endoscopy response to therapy or even CT or if trigeminalmediated headshaking is likely.  Whatever the cause treatment will involve trial and error in a logical order and a serious amount of commitment is often required. Your vet may suggest any or all of the following
Nose nets can be effective in some cases as they reduce nasal irritation from dust pollen and insects. In addition they may help trigeminallymediated headshakers as the constant light pressure on the face overrides the painful stimulus in the sensitised nerve this is similar to rubbing your elbow to soothe it after hitting it.
A new environment can sometimes cause headshaking to reduce or stop such as moving from an inland yard to one at a higher altitude or with a sea breeze.
Seasonal sensitivities are shown in some horses. They may display symptoms of headshaking in warm sunny weather but may improve on cool days and over the winter. While its by no means ideal for busy horse owners timing your riding to suit your horses particular sensitivities can save frustration for you both.
Pharmacological intervention can be useful as a diagnostic and in some cases a therapeutic aid.  Corticosteroids antihistamines antiinflammatories and drugs aimed at reducing nerve pain have all been used and can provide some horses with relief if only temporarily.
EquiPens is a recently available therapy based on treatment of nerve pain in human patients.  It involves the application of a specially designed probe under the skin over the nerve which delivers a nonpainful stimulus. The procedure is applied three or more times to induce remission and is now available for horses at a number of clinics in the UK.
Caudal compression surgery aims to reduce the input to the trigeminal nerve by damaging one of its branches in a controlled way. It can be used to treat horses with trigeminalmediated headshaking and has been stated to be 63 effective long term. However there can be serious sideeffects so it is important to discuss this treatment carefully with your vet and consider other less invasive options first.
As frustrating as it is its important to remember that if your horse is an idiopathic  headshaker hes not being naughty and hes not being evasive hes simply irritated and likely to be in pain. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best treatment plan to help alleviate the
symptoms as best you can.