Tremor

Tremor is a movement condition characterized by involuntary rhythmic muscle contractions that cause the affected area to oscillate (move to and fro). Tremors result from damage to the nerves connected to muscles. They can affect just one part of the body, frequently the hands, or they can affect the entire body. When tremor is the primary symptom of one’s condition it’s classified into three general types: those that run in families (familial tremor), drug-induced tremor, and those without a known cause (essential tremor). Lithium, valproic acid, cyclosporine, and other medications are known to cause tremor.

Tremor may also be a symptom of another condition. Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, Wilson’s disease, and other medical conditions may cause a person to develop a tremor. For this reason, it is important for a doctor to thoroughly evaluate a patient’s symptoms, physical condition, medical history, and diagnostic exams before diagnosing a tremor condition.

Tremor can affect the muscles of the hand, facial features, arms, legs, trunks, and vocal cords. Some tremors can be temporary, intermittent, or sporadic. One side of a person’s body may be affected more than the other. Tremors can cause a person’s head to nod and can cause their voice to sound shaky. Certain factors can trigger a tremor, such as emotional stress or a voluntary movement.

Sometimes a tremor condition is mild and does not limit a patient’s functioning. In these cases, treatment may not be necessary. Drug-induced tremor can often be relieved by terminating use of the medication. To avoid other undesirable effects, it is wise to talk to your doctor before terminating or changing medication. If tremors are caused by another medical condition, treatment of the underlying condition often relieves tremors.

In some cases, particularly when the cause of tremors cannot be identified, a patient may not respond to as well to treatment. Some medications are known to reduce the frequency of tremors, such as anti-convulsants and mild tranquilizers. Certain stimuli, like caffeine, should also be avoided, as they can induce tremor. If medication and other treatments do not work, surgery may work to relieve one’s tremor condition.