Uncontrolled Shaking of Hands: Exploring 14 Root Causes and Potential Solutions
Hand tremors, a common physical disturbance, can be distressing and affect one's quality of life. This article explores the various causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for hand tremors.
Hand tremors can be caused by a multitude of factors, including neurological conditions, medical issues, medications, and lifestyle factors. Essential tremor (ET), a common neurological disorder, is one of the leading causes of hand tremors, particularly during specific movements like writing or eating. Unlike tremors associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), ET is usually consistent and can worsen with stress or anxiety [1][2].
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and related conditions can also cause hand tremors indirectly through complications such as peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage causing weakness and numbness) and carpal tunnel syndrome (pressure on the nerve controlling hand movement) [1]. Parkinson’s disease, another neurological disorder, is well-known for causing severe tremors [3].
Certain medications, including asthma medications, drugs for psychiatric conditions, seizure medications, anti-arrhythmic drugs, cancer medications, medications that suppress the immune system, certain antivirals, specific antibiotics, and even some over-the-counter drugs, can induce hand tremors [4]. Excessive caffeine intake, alcohol abuse, or withdrawal may also trigger or worsen hand shaking [3][4].
Thyroid problems, multiple sclerosis, liver failure, brain injury, stroke, anxiety, stress, and fatigue can also cause tremors by affecting the nervous system [3]. Other health conditions like alcohol misuse or withdrawal, mercury poisoning, hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney failure, stress, anxiety, or fatigue, psychiatric conditions, inherited degenerative disorders, and medication use can also lead to hand tremors [1][2][3].
Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, neurological exams, blood and urine tests, and imaging (CT, MRI) to identify underlying causes [3]. Understanding the specific cause of tremors is essential for proper management.
Mild hand tremors that do not affect a person's daily life are not usually a cause for concern. However, if a person experiences severe or persistent hand tremors that interfere with their daily activities, they should see a doctor to help determine the cause. Botox injections may be beneficial in treating voice and head tremors, but can lead to weakness in the fingers when used for hand tremors [5].
In severe cases where medication and other treatments are ineffective, surgical options like deep brain stimulation (DBS) or radiofrequency ablation may be recommended [5]. People who experience tremors due to anxiety or panic attacks may benefit from practicing relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises [2].
Lifestyle changes that may help reduce hand tremors include avoiding vigorous exercise, excess alcohol consumption, stimulants such as caffeine and amphetamines, and ensuring adequate sleep [5]. Most tremors fall into two categories: resting tremors (occur when the muscles are relaxed) and action tremors (occur when the muscles are contracted due to voluntary movement) [6].
Tremors are involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions that make a body part appear to be shaking or trembling. They can occur in various body parts such as the head, arms, legs, torso, and voice box [6].
In conclusion, persistent or severe hand tremors can be caused by essential tremor, rheumatoid arthritis complications, neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, medication side effects, metabolic or systemic disorders, and anxiety-related factors. If you or someone you know is experiencing hand tremors, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hand tremors. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-tremors/symptoms-causes/syc-20355602 [2] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Essential Tremor Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Essential-Tremor-Fact-Sheet [3] National Health Service. (2021). Hand tremors. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tremor/ [4] Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Hand Tremors: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15942-hand-tremors [5] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Essential Tremor. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/movement_disorders/conditions/essential-tremor.html [6] American Parkinson Disease Association. (2021). Tremors. Retrieved from https://www.apdaparkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Tremor/
Hand tremors can be caused by various factors, including neurological disorders such as Essential Tremor, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, as well as medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and medication side effects. Certain lifestyle factors like excessive caffeine intake, alcohol abuse, and stress can also induce hand tremors.
A thorough medical history, neurological exams, blood and urine tests, and imaging may be required for diagnosis to identify the underlying cause of the tremors. Though mild hand tremors might not necessitate immediate concern, severe or persistent ones that interfere with daily activities should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
Treatment options for hand tremors vary based on the specific cause. They range from therapies like Botox injections for voice and head tremors, to surgical procedures like deep brain stimulation or radiofrequency ablation in severe cases. For anxiety-related tremors, relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises may provide relief.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce hand tremors. Avoiding vigorous exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, stimulants such as caffeine and amphetamines, and ensuring adequate sleep are some lifestyle changes that might be beneficial.
Tremors, when defined, are involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions that cause a body part to appear shaking or trembling. They can occur in various parts of the body. Persistent or severe hand tremors can significantly affect one's quality of life, and it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
References: Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Health Service, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, American Parkinson Disease Association.
