Hand Tremor

Alternative names:

shaking of the hands; tremor - of the arms or hands

Definition:

Involuntary shaking of the hands or other parts of the body.

Considerations:

A tremor is a symptom that may be present in otherwise healthy people, as well as in people with medical disorders.

Tremor or shaking can be associated with fatigue, stress, anxiety, anger, or rage. However, constant tremor that is not associated with altered emotional states may be a sign of disease or abnormal condition and should be evaluated. Tremor that is associated with involuntary movement of other parts of the body, such as the tongue and head, is always abnormal and should be evaluated.

Essential tremor, which is usually hereditary, is common (prevalence is 15%) in people older than 70 years. Essential tremor is rarely present when the hands are not being used and becomes most apparent when trying to do something like reaching for an object or writing. It is not caused by an underlying disease.

Essential tremor is commonly suppressed by alcohol consumption, an important fact in making the diagnosis, but alcohol is NOT a desirable treatment.

Common causes:

• too much coffee or other caffeine-containing drink
• excessive alcohol consumption, alcoholism, or alcohol withdrawal
• stress
• normal aging
• cocaine use or amphetamine use
• essential tremor
• drugs such as amphetamines, antipsychotics, lithium toxicity, phenothiazines, or phenytoin
• insulin overdose in diabetics (hypoglycemia)
• Parkinson's disease
  • Characterized by shaking that is constant at rest and improves when the person reaches out for something.
  • Parkinson's disease is often accompanied by slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, and abnormal gait.

Note: There may be other causes of a hand tremor. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for a hand tremor, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.