Tremor

A tremor is a neurological movement disorder that causes involuntary shaking in one or more parts of the body. Tremors can occur during movement, while maintaining a posture or while the body is at rest. Some tremors are mild and cause little disruption, while others can interfere with daily activities such as writing, eating, drinking or dressing.

Tremors may develop independently or be associated with conditions such as Essential Tremor, Parkinson’s disease, Ataxia or Dystonia.

Several types of tremor exist, including:

• Essential tremor, one of the most common movement disorders
• Parkinsonian tremor, commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease
• Resting tremor, which occurs when muscles are relaxed
• Action tremor, which occurs during voluntary movement
• Postural tremor, which develops when holding a position against gravity
• Intention tremor, which worsens as a person approaches a target during movement

Identifying the type of tremor is important because treatment recommendations often vary depending on the underlying cause.

Symptoms may include:

• Rhythmic shaking of the hands, arms, head, voice or legs
• Difficulty writing or drawing
• Problems holding utensils, cups or other objects
• Changes in voice quality caused by vocal cord tremor
• Worsening symptoms during stress, fatigue or anxiety
• Difficulty performing fine motor tasks

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may gradually worsen over time.

Tremors can result from many different neurological and medical conditions.

Common causes include:

• Genetic factors and family history
• Parkinson’s disease
• Ataxia
• Dystonia
• Certain medications
• Thyroid disorders
• Excess caffeine or stimulant use
• Neurological injury or disease

Risk increases with age for some tremor disorders, although tremors can occur at any stage of life.

Diagnosing tremors begins with a detailed medical history and neurological examination.

Your care team may evaluate:

• When symptoms started
• Which body parts are affected
• Whether tremors occur at rest or during movement
• Family history of movement disorders
• Medication use and medical conditions

Diagnostic testing may include laboratory studies, brain imaging and specialized neurological assessments to identify potential underlying causes and rule out other disorders.

Treatment depends on the type, severity and cause of the tremor.

Options may include:

• Lifestyle modifications and trigger avoidance
• Physical or occupational therapy
• Medications to reduce tremor severity
• Botulinum toxin injections for selected patients
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for appropriate candidates
• High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for select movement disorders

For individuals with severe symptoms, advanced therapies may significantly improve function and quality of life. Treatment plans are individualized based on each patient’s symptoms and goals.

Untreated or progressive tremors may lead to:

• Difficulty eating and drinking
• Reduced ability to write or use technology
• Challenges with work-related tasks
• Social anxiety or embarrassment
• Reduced independence in daily activities

Early evaluation may help prevent symptoms from becoming more disruptive.

Not all tremors can be prevented, particularly those related to genetics or neurological disease.

However, some steps may help reduce symptom severity:

• Limit excessive caffeine intake
• Manage stress effectively
• Get adequate sleep
• Follow treatment recommendations for underlying medical conditions
• Attend regular follow-up appointments

If you experience persistent shaking or notice tremor symptoms interfering with daily activities, seek evaluation from a movement disorders specialist. Early diagnosis can help identify the cause of the tremor and determine the most effective treatment strategy.

To schedule a visit with a Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care provider, fill out an appointment request form or call 833-596-3876.