10 Hand Tremors Symptoms
Article Sources
- 1. Barrell, Amanda. 'What Does It Mean If You Have Shaky Hands?' Medical News Today, 2 Jan. 2020, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322195#prevention
- 2. Friedman, Joseph, MD. 'Understanding Weakness in Parkinson’s Disease.' American Parkinson Disease Association, 22 Feb. 2017, www.apdaparkinson.org/article/understanding-weakness-parkinsons-disease/#:%7E:text=It%20is%20common%20for%20Parkinson’s,in%20their%20hands%20or%20arms
- 3. National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke. 'Tremor Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.' National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2021, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tremor-Fact-Sheet
- 4. Parkinson’s Viewpoint. '7 Best Weighted Pens for People with Hand Tremors (A Review).' Parkinson’s Viewpoint |, 16 May 2021, parkinsonviewpoint.com/3-best-weighted-pens-for-people-with-hand-tremors
- 5. Helmich, R. C., et al. 'Cerebral Causes and Consequences of Parkinsonian Resting Tremor: A Tale of Two Circuits?' Brain, vol. 135, no. 11, 2012, pp. 3206–26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3501966/
Hand tremors, otherwise referred to as shaky hands, can be a limiting or debilitating condition that may restrict a person's ability to carry out some everyday tasks. On their own, hand tremors aren't considered a dangerous or life-threatening condition.
However, it's important to understand the underlying cause of hand tremors, as some serious neurological disorders may be triggering the condition. Some common disorders that cause hand tremors include Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, multiple sclerosis and low blood sugar. For many, hand tremors are manageable, and with the correct care or medication, the condition can be controlled or improved.1Barrell, Amanda. ‘What Does It Mean If You Have Shaky Hands?’ Medical News Today, 2 Jan. 2020, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322195#prevention
Involuntary Shaking
Arguably the most noticeable symptom of hand tremors is involuntary shaking, which refers to the unintentional and visible movement of one or both hands. The extent of hand tremors a person experiences can range from very mild to debilitating. As the shaking worsens, it can limit a person's ability to perform particular tasks.1Barrell, Amanda. ‘What Does It Mean If You Have Shaky Hands?’ Medical News Today, 2 Jan. 2020, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322195#prevention
However, It's important to recognize that some shaking can be normal. Few people can hold their outstretched hands completely still, but such shaking is usually mild. Those who notice their hands beginning to shake at other times should seek medical advice to rule out an underlying condition.
Lost Strength in the Hands
Another common symptom of hand tremors is weakness. This symptom can make everyday tasks more challenging for those with hand tremors, for example, weakness of the hands can impact a person's ability to open door handles or food jars.
A person with a hand tremor may experience weakness in the affected hand or arm. However, this symptom is commonly experienced in those whose hand tremors are caused by Parkinson's disease.2Friedman, Joseph, MD. ‘Understanding Weakness in Parkinson’s Disease.’ American Parkinson Disease Association, 22 Feb. 2017, www.apdaparkinson.org/article/understanding-weakness-parkinsons-disease/#:%7E:text=It%20is%20common%20for%20Parkinson’s,in%20their%20hands%20or%20arms
Dropping Items Easily
As a result of the shaking and weakness caused by hand tremors, those with the condition may find they drop items more easily or struggle to control utensils and pens.3National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke. ‘Tremor Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.’ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2021, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tremor-Fact-Sheet At first, this symptom may seem like a minor inconvenience, but unexpectedly dropping items can become dangerous, particularly if the item is heavy or made of glass.
This symptom may be extremely frustrating for those with a hand tremor. However, a doctor may recommend methods to reduce the severity of the symptom.1Barrell, Amanda. ‘What Does It Mean If You Have Shaky Hands?’ Medical News Today, 2 Jan. 2020, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322195#prevention
Difficulty Writing
As a result of constant shaking or a reduced ability to grip a pen, people with hand tremors may find writing an increasingly difficult task. In some instances, it may be more difficult to hold a pen or a person's handwriting may become less legible.
Fortunately, if a person finds their hand tremor is affecting their ability to write or the quality of their handwriting, there are products such as enlarged or weighted pens that may help make the task easier.4Parkinson’s Viewpoint. ‘7 Best Weighted Pens for People with Hand Tremors (A Review).’ Parkinson’s Viewpoint |, 16 May 2021, parkinsonviewpoint.com/3-best-weighted-pens-for-people-with-hand-tremors
Shaking That Worsens With Movement
One common cause of hand tremors is a condition called essential tremor. For those with this condition, hand tremors can become worse when they move. However, this isn't always the case. Some conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, are characterized by hand tremors that improve with movement and increase with rest.1Barrell, Amanda. ‘What Does It Mean If You Have Shaky Hands?’ Medical News Today, 2 Jan. 2020, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322195#prevention
Therefore, the type of tremor a person experiences and how the tremor presents may be an indicator of its underlying cause.
Tremors That Become Worse Over Time
Typically, if the condition isn't addressed, hand tremors can get progressively worse. This means that over time, the tremor and its accompanying symptoms become more significant. This is commonly the case in people whose hand tremors are a result of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor or other neurological conditions.3National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke. ‘Tremor Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.’ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2021, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tremor-Fact-Sheet
A doctor may recommend medications such as beta-blockers or tranquilizers, which may help control or even significantly improve these symptoms.3National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke. ‘Tremor Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.’ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2021, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tremor-Fact-Sheet
Shaky Voice
Another symptom that can accompany hand tremors is a shaky voice. In many cases, as people grow older, developing a shaky voice can be completely normal and not associated with any conditions. However, if a hand tremor and shaky voice develop at the same time, it may be a sign of essential tremor.3National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke. ‘Tremor Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.’ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2021, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tremor-Fact-Sheet
Certain conditions, such as essential tremor, can affect the voice box as well as the hands, which may be why some people experience a shaky voice along with hand tremors.3National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke. ‘Tremor Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.’ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2021, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tremor-Fact-Sheet
Tremor That Worsens With Increased Emotion
It's well documented that stress can impact physical health in various ways. It's not uncommon for people with hand tremors to have their symptoms worsen when they're experiencing a period of heightened stress or emotion. Therefore, it's recommended that those who have hand tremors limit the number of stressors they're exposed to.3National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke. ‘Tremor Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.’ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2021, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tremor-Fact-Sheet
While anyone with hand tremors can experience worsened symptoms during periods of intense emotions, this issue is commonly associated with Parkinson's disease.3National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke. ‘Tremor Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.’ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2021, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tremor-Fact-Sheet
Neurological Symptoms
Hand tremors can accompany certain neurological disorders. Therefore, some people may experience hand tremors along with other neurological symptoms, such as impaired balance and stiffness of the muscles. Some individuals can also develop a speech impediment as a result of their tremors.3National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke. ‘Tremor Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.’ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2021, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tremor-Fact-Sheet
A person who begins experiencing these or other symptoms along with a hand tremor should see their doctor to diagnose or rule out a more serious neurological condition.1Barrell, Amanda. ‘What Does It Mean If You Have Shaky Hands?’ Medical News Today, 2 Jan. 2020, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322195#prevention
Chin Tremors
Another symptom that may accompany hand tremors, chin tremors are commonly associated with Parkinson's disease. In addition to chin and hand tremors, Parkinson's can also cause lip, leg and tongue tremors.3National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke. ‘Tremor Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.’ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2021, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tremor-Fact-Sheet This may occur because those with Parkinson's disease produce less dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that sends vital messages to the brain following the firing of nerve cells.5Helmich, R. C., et al. ‘Cerebral Causes and Consequences of Parkinsonian Resting Tremor: A Tale of Two Circuits?’ Brain, vol. 135, no. 11, 2012, pp. 3206–26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3501966/
However, chin tremors can also occur in individuals who haven't been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
