Guide To The Causes Of Hand Tremors

Hand tremors occur when the hands shake involuntarily and rhythmically. They often happen in episodes. Tremors may make it difficult for patients to carry out daily tasks such as eating, writing, using the computer, dressing, and cooking. Hand tremors are often benign. However, it is important to have a doctor investigate them. This is because they can be early indicators of a neurological condition. Doctors will begin by asking the patient about their health history and current medications. They will also conduct a physical examination. This exam includes checks of the patient's reflexes, sensation, strength, gait, and coordination. Doctors may also evaluate the tremors by asking the patient to drink from a glass, write, or hold their arms outstretched.

Hand tremors treatment largely depends on the underlying cause. However, there are some standard options. Hand tremors medication ranges from anxiety medication to medicine for Parkinson's disease. There are also many home remedies for hand tremors, including relaxation techniques such as meditation and mindfulness. Of course, as mentioned, patients must understand the cause of their hand tremors first.

Panic Or Anxiety

Hand tremors sometimes occur as a result of panic or anxiety. For example, individuals experiencing a panic attack may report shaky hands. In these cases, hand tremors are likely the result of mental health issues and not an indication of a physical underlying medical condition. However, patients experiencing hand tremors and anxiety or panic should still see their primary doctor. This is to ensure that this symptom is not due to an undiagnosed neurological condition.

If the tremors are the result of anxiety or panic, doctors may prescribe anti-anxiety medication. Individuals who choose to take benzodiazepines may require frequent follow-up visits since some of these medications can be habit-forming. In addition to medication, patients may want to consider seeing a counselor or psychiatrist to learn behavioral techniques that could reduce panic attacks and anxiety symptoms.

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Certain Medications

Patients who take certain medications are at an increased risk of experiencing hand tremors. This is because they are a common side effect. Inhaled asthma medications increase stress hormones, which can result in tremors. Examples of such asthma medications are albuterol and formoterol. Amiodarone, a drug used to treat heart rhythm irregularities, is known to cause hand tremors in at least one-third of the patients who take it. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are associated with hand tremors in roughly twenty percent of patients who use them. Lithium and tricyclic antidepressants may also cause tremors.

Hand tremors caused by medications differ from those caused by neurological conditions. The tremors that stem from medication occur with voluntary movements. Examples include when individuals are reaching for something or performing a specific task. Unlike other tremors, medication-induced tremors tend to affect both hands. In addition, they do not worsen over time. They tend to resolve if the dose is lowered as well. Patients also see their tremors disappear if they discontinue or switch their medication.

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