Tremors
What is a tremor?
A tremor is a condition which causes involuntary movements, including shaking or trembling. These movements often affect the hands but sometimes other areas of the body too – such as arms, legs, voice and head.
Tremors can be caused by multiple neurological conditions for e.g. Parkinsons Disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, essential tremor
Other causes of tremors include anxiety/stress, medication side effects, overactive thyroid and excessive caffeine.
Tremors sometimes may impact daily tasks such as handwriting, shaving, dressing etc.
Common symptoms:
Rhythmic shaking
Difficulty holding and manipulating objects – such as utensils, hairbrush, pens, clothing etc
A shaky voice
Types of tremors:
REST TREMOR
This occurs whilst the body is at rest and not voluntarily being moved. For example, a tremor in the hand whilst resting in the lap, or hanging by your side whilst walking
This type of tremor is often associated with Parkinsons Disease but is also present in other conditions such as essential tremor or other Parkinsonian type conditions.
This tremor can sometimes reduced or be absent whilst completing a movement or performing a task that involves the affected body part
Key Characteristics:
The tremor is present when the body part is at rest, and not voluntarily moving
Often a rhythmic movement, e.g. oscillating or repetitive
Can sometimes lessen with active movement
Often observed in the hands, however can involve feet, legs, head or face.
ACTION TREMOR
This will occur whilst the body is moving actively
For example, this can be when reaching for a glass of water or holding a plate.
This can be categorised into postural tremor (whilst holding the body part in a specific position, e.g. holding plate) or kinetic tremor (appears when completing a target directed movement e.g. handwriting).
Often associated with conditions such as essential tremor and cerebellar disorders
Tremors are a common symptoms of Parkinsons Disease. For more information about tremors and Parkinsons Disease read more at ‘Parkinsons Foundation’ - https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/tremor
FURTHER READING
Information on tremor (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke