Health Encyclopedia

Home | List of Topics | Brain and Nervous System | Movement Disorders (e.g., Parkinson's Disease)

Tremor

Definition

Tremors are a type of involuntary shaking movement.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Tremors are caused by problems with the nerves supplying certain muscles. They may affect the whole body or just certain areas, as with hand tremor).

Disorders with tremor as the primary symptom include:

• Familial tremor (runs in families)
• Essential tremor (no known cause)
• Drug-induced tremor (drugs known to induce tremor include valproic acid, lithium, and cyclosporine)

Parkinson's disease and other illnesses may cause tremors in addition to other symptoms. Certain medical problems such as hyperthyroidism or Wilson's disease may cause tremors.

Symptoms

• Tremors
  • May be occasional (sporadic), temporary (episodic) or occurring at intervals (intermittent)
  • May affect the head, hands, arms, eyelids, or other muscles
  • May not affect both sides of the body equally
• A shaking or quivering sound to voice
• Head nodding
• Tremors that worsen with voluntary movement or emotional stress
• Tremors that disappear during sleep

Signs and tests

Tests depend on the suspected cause of the tremor. However, a neurologic examination should be conducted in most cases.

Treatment

Treatment may not be required if the tremors are mild and do not interfere with daily activity. If the tremors are drug-induced, stopping the medication is usually sufficient. (Never stop a medication without a doctor's supervision.) If tremors are caused by a medical condition such as hyperthyroidism, the treatment will target the underlying condition, and the tremors will likely improve.

The success of medications to treat tremor varies. It depends on individual response. Medications that may reduce tremors include propranolol, Mysoline and other anticonvulsants, and mild tranquilizers. Caffeine (in substances such as coffee and soda) and other stimulants should be avoided because they commonly worsen tremors.

If tremor is severe and not responsive to medication, surgery may be helpful.

Complications

If severe, tremors can interfere with daily activities, especially fine motor skills (such as writing). Speech is occasionally involved. Medications can cause side effects.

Calling your health care provider

See your health care provider if you have a persistent, unexplained tremor or if tremors are interfering with your ability to perform daily activities.

Review Date:8/26/2006
Reviewed By:Gail A. Kang, M.D., San Francisco VA Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, & Clinical Center, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.