Tremor in humans: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Tremor; Shaking; Tremor – hand; Hand tremor; Tremor – arms; Kinetic tremor; Intention tremor; Postural tremor; Essential tremor

Tremor is the involuntary rhythmic movement of muscles., caused by a disorder in that part of the brain or nervous system, which controls muscle tension. It is characterized by the rhythmic movement back and forth of one or more parts of the body. Tremor may be with or without accompanying movement.

Tremor can have a significant impact on a person's daily life., because it tends to be more pronounced, when the nerves are tense or anxious. Fortunately, although it is impossible to completely eliminate the tremor, there are steps, what can be done to treat his symptoms.

What is a tremor?

Tremor is an involuntary rhythmic movement of muscles or shaking of body parts.. It occurs in children, and in adults and affects different parts of the body, depending on the underlying cause. This may include hands, hands, head, legs, tongue or body. This is a symptom of such conditions., like parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, dystonia, essential tremor and post-stroke syndromes.

Causes of tremor

The cause of the tremor can be complex and depends on, what area of ​​the brain or nervous system is affected. Possible causes of tremor include:

• Neurological diseases. Disease, damaging nerve cells in the brain, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, dystonia and post-stroke syndromes, can lead to tremor.
• Brain damage. Brain damage from stroke or surgery, injury or infection can cause tremors.
• Nutrient deficiency. Lack of key nutrients, such as magnesium, phosphorus, copper or vitamin D, can cause muscle tremors.
• Excessive stress or anxiety. Excessive stress or anxiety can cause tremors.
• Some medications. Tremor is a common side effect of many medications., including antidepressants, antipsychotics and nasal decongestants.
• Mitochondrial thyroid disease: This State, in which thyroid cells do not produce energy, necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
• Alcohol abuse. Tremor is a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal..

Tremor symptoms

The main symptom of tremor is the involuntary rhythmic movement of the muscles of one or more parts of the body.. It usually gets worse, when a person is under stress or experiencing strong emotions, such as anxiety or fear. Other signs and symptoms of tremor may include:

• Chairman. Head may shake and sway up and down, or the eyes may move from side to side.
• Hands. Hands can move quickly back and forth.
• Hands. Hands may shake, making it difficult to write or do other tasks, associated with fine motor skills.
• Legs. Legs may tremble, making it difficult to stand or walk.
• Voice. The voice may tremble and sound tremulous or unsteady.
• Jaw. jaw can move, what causes teeth to click or chatter.

When to See a Doctor

If you or someone you know is experiencing a tremor, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible, to determine the underlying cause. A doctor can help rule out other potential causes, such as anxiety or medication side effects, and determine the root cause.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

To diagnose tremor, the doctor may ask the following questions:

• When did you first notice the symptoms of a tremor??
• What actions increase or decrease tremor?
• Are you taking any medications or supplements?
• Do you have any history of brain disease or trauma?
• Have you been under a lot of stress or have there been any recent changes in your life??

Tremor diagnosis

Your doctor will conduct a physical examination, including a detailed examination of the brain and nervous system (neurological). You may be asked questions, to help your doctor find the cause of your tremor:

They can be assigned to the following tests:

• Blood tests, such as complete blood count, differential blood test, thyroid function tests and glucose test
• EMG or nerve conduction studies to check muscle and nerve function
• Head CT
• Head MRI
• Urine

After determining the cause of the tremor, treatment is prescribed..

Tremor treatment

Tremor treatment depends on the underlying cause. If the tremor is caused by an underlying disease, medications or other treatments for this condition can reduce the tremor. Medicines, used to treat tremor, include anticonvulsants, sedative drugs, beta-blockers and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Where, when the tremor is caused by certain medications, switching to another drug may be helpful. Besides, a physical therapist or occupational therapist can help reduce the tremor, by teaching the patient to better control the affected muscles.

Tremor Home Treatment

In addition to medications or therapy, there are some lifestyle changes, which may help reduce the severity of the tremor. These include:

• Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption.
• Reducing Stress and Anxiety Through Meditation, yoga or regular exercise.
• Sleep and rest.
• Avoid Stimulants, such as caffeine.
• Avoid actions, requiring precise movements, such as a letter.

With tremors, caused by stress, try ways to relax, such as meditation or breathing exercises. For tremors of any cause, avoid caffeine and get enough sleep.

In case of tremor, drug-induced, talk to your doctor about stopping the drug, reducing dosage or switching to another drug. Do not change or stop medication on your own.

Severe tremors can make daily activities difficult. You may need help with these steps.

Measures, which can help reduce the impact of tremors on daily activities, include:

• Buying clothes with Velcro or hook-and-loop fasteners
• Cooking or eating in a bowl with a larger handle
• Using a non-spill cup for drinking
• Wearing shoes without laces and using shoe horns

Tremor Prevention

There is no reliable way to prevent tremor, but there are several steps, you can take, to reduce the risk. These include:

• Balanced, healthy diet with enough vitamins and minerals.
• Regular exercise and an active lifestyle.
• Reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking.
• Stress Management, anxiety and other mental health problems.
• Adhering to treatment plans and taking medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Tremor can be a frustrating and embarrassing condition, but with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, it can be successfully managed. If you experience a tremor or are concerned about its development, see your doctor for advice and treatment options.

Used sources and literature

Fasano A, Deuschl G. Therapeutic advances in tremor. Mov Disord. 2015;30:1557-1565. PMID: 26293405 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26293405/.

Haq IU, Liebenow B, Okun MS. Clinical overview of movement disorders. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 105.

Jankovic J, Just AE. Diagnosis and assessment of Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 24.