Hand Tremors: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Why Are My Hands Shaking?

Why Is My Hand Shaking?

Do your hands ever shake when you're pouring your morning coffee or waiting in line at the grocery store? Shaky hands, also known as hand tremors, are more common than you might think. Most people don't think much of them if they're not too noticeable or bothersome. But hand tremors can affect your quality of life by making it difficult to do simple tasks like writing, typing, eating, and carrying things. They can also be embarrassing, which can lead to social isolation.

Hand tremors are involuntary shaking movements in the hands. They can be mild or severe, and they can occur at rest or when performing certain tasks. There are many different causes of hand tremors, including:

  • Essential tremor. This is the most common type of hand tremor, and it is thought to be caused by a problem in the part of the brain that controls movement. Essential tremor is not life-threatening, but it can be embarrassing and interfere with daily activities.
  • Parkinson's disease. This is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the part of the brain that controls movement. Parkinson's disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including hand tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
  • Multiple sclerosis. This is an autoimmune disease that damages the myelin sheath, which insulates nerve fibers. Multiple sclerosis can cause a variety of symptoms, including hand tremors, numbness, weakness, fatigue, and vision problems.
  • Medications. Certain medications can cause hand tremors as a side effect. These medications include beta-blockers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.
  • Stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can cause temporary hand tremors.
  • Caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can also cause hand tremors.
  • Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions, such as overactive thyroid, liver disease, and kidney disease, can also cause hand tremors.

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When To Worry About Hand Tremors

Most hand tremors are not a cause for concern. However, you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:

  • New or sudden hand tremors
  • Tremors that are severe or interfere with your daily activities
  • Tremors that are accompanied by other symptoms, such as stiffness, slowness of movement, difficulty with balance and coordination, numbness, weakness, fatigue, or vision problems

Your doctor will likely perform a physical examination and ask you about your medical history and symptoms. They may also order tests, such as blood tests, imaging tests, or neurological tests, to help determine the cause of your tremors.

Treatment for Hand Tremors

Treatment for hand tremors depends on the underlying cause. There is no cure for essential tremor, but there are treatments that can help to reduce the severity of the tremors and improve quality of life. These treatments include:

  • Medication. There are several medications that can be used to treat essential tremor, including beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and deep brain stimulation.
  • Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. Botox injections can be used to temporarily reduce the severity of tremors in the hands.
  • Surgery. Surgery may be an option for people with severe essential tremor that does not respond to other treatments.

If your hand tremors are caused by another medical condition, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or overactive thyroid, your doctor will treat the underlying condition. This may help to reduce or eliminate the tremors.

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Living With Hand Tremors

If you have hand tremors, there are a number of things you can do to manage your condition and improve your quality of life:

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can trigger or worsen tremors.
  • Get enough sleep. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
  • Manage stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can also trigger or worsen tremors. There are a number of different ways to manage stress and anxiety, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and therapy.
  • Use adaptive devices. There are a number of different adaptive devices that can help people with hand tremors to perform daily activities. For example, there are weighted utensils that can help to reduce tremors, and there are special pens and pencils that can make writing easier.

Also see: 7 Reasons Why You’re Feeling Tired During the Day

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs for the topic "Why Is My Hand Shaking?":

Q: What is a hand tremor?

A: A hand tremor is an involuntary shaking movement of the hand. Hand tremors can be mild or severe, and they can occur at rest or when performing certain tasks.

Q: What are the most common causes of hand tremors?

A: The most common causes of hand tremors are Essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, Multiple sclerosis, Medications, Stress and anxiety, Caffeine and alcohol, Medical conditions.

Remember this blog provides general information and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have hand tremors, it is important to talk to your doctor or please visit or call the Closest Emergency Room for a immediate medical help and they can help you to determine the underlying cause of your tremors and develop a treatment plan.

We have ER locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area that are open and here to help you 24/7 If you or your family have a medical emergency.

We have 9 facilities spread across the DFW area with average wait times of less than 10 mins that are OPEN 24/7 located in Hurst, Colleyville, Frisco, Highland Village, Hillcrest, Uptown, Little Elm, Mansfield, and Texoma.

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