Drug-induced tremor

Alternative names:

tremor - drug induced

Symptoms:

• tremors
  • sporadic, episodic, intermittent
  • rate about 6 to 10 tremors per second (when tremors are occurring) affecting areas such as the head, hands, arms, and eyelids.
  • does not usually affect the lower body
  • may not affect both sides of the body equally

• shaking or quivering sound to voice
• head nodding
• tremors that worsen with voluntary movement and emotional stress
• tremors that disappear during sleep

Signs and tests:

Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of use history of a drug or medication that may cause tremors and examination that reveals tremors on voluntary movement and no other abnormalities. Involvement of the legs, loss of coordination, or involuntary tremors (those that occur at rest) may indicate a condition such as secondary parkinsonism rather than drug-induced tremor.

No other tests may be required. Testing may rule out other causes of tremors such as alcohol withdrawal, hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, or other disorders. Laboratory tests and head CT scan, MRI, X-rays, angiography, or other tests reveal no abnormalities with drug-induced tremor.