What happens if your hands shake

If an underlying condition, such as hyperthyroidism, is responsible for the tremor, it will usually get better when a person receives treatment. If a tremor is a side effect, it will often go away when a person switches medications. This can improve muscle control, functioning, and strength while enhancing coordination and balance. An occupational therapist can help people living with tremors to continue to engage in daily activities. If anxiety or panic is responsible for a tremor, a person may benefit from practicing relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises.

For essential tremor, a doctor may prescribe beta-blockers , such as propranolol, metoprolol, or nadolol. A doctor may also recommend anti-seizure medication, such as primidone. Doctors often prescribe disease-specific drugs, such as levodopa and carbidopa, to manage advanced cases.

Beta-blockers, anti-anxiety drugs, and anticonvulsive medications are among the treatment options for people with MS-related tremors. If doctors cannot determine the cause of tremors, they may prescribe tranquilizers. Some may prescribe injections of botulinum toxin, or Botox , though these can lead to weakness in the fingers.

If a person does not respond to medication or has a severe tremor that significantly impacts their life, a doctor may recommend interventions such as deep brain stimulation DBS. DBS requires a doctor to place a small generator under the skin in the upper chest. It sends electrical signals to electrodes implanted in the thalamus, which is the part of the brain that coordinates and controls some involuntary movements. The hands may shake more as a person ages. Certain medications, substances such as caffeine, and anxiety can also cause tremors.

Motor neuron disease MND affects the nerves that enable movement, causing muscles in the body to deteriorate. Parkinson's is a progressive disorder that causes certain brain cells to die off in the substantia nigra , the area of the brain that produces dopamine and controls movement and balance. Shaking associated with Parkinson's is distinct in the sense that it doesn't look like jitters or essential tremors.

It also occurs at a fairly regular rate at three to four shakes per second. Parkinson's tremors typically only start in one body part and progress to other areas, whereas other sorts of tremors are usually symmetrical.

And sufferers of this disease also experience other symptoms such as stiff muscles and changes in speech. Multiple Sclerosis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease that attacks the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers. If you think chronic stress, too much espresso, hunger or lack of sleep are the cause of your shaky hands, most likely, the best solution is to make some lifestyle changes.

Catch those eight hours of sleep, maybe trade in the coffee for some water, have a snack, and see if the shakes improve. But if you believe that your condition is not improving and has more serious consequences, book an appointment with your primary care doctor or a specialist ASAP. They will help you determine the next best steps. In the days leading up to the appointment, write down the nature of your tremors.

Do they get worse when you are anxious or depressed? Do your fingers tremble when you're texting or when they are by your side? Ask about your family's medical history. Write down any medications you take. And when it comes to alcohol and drug use, don't be afraid of being honest. Any good physician will have your best interest at heart and want to get to root of your concerns.

Like what you just read? Go here to subscribe. Weight Loss. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Ab Exercises for a Stronger Core. You're a healthy, living, and breathing human being. You're experiencing intense emotions. Your blood sugar is low. Sleep Diaries. Related Story. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.

You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. More From Health. Created for From Prevention for Created by Prevention for. Other adrenergic blockers with fewer side effects include atenolol, nadolol, metoprolol and timolol. Primidone controls the actions of neurotransmitters. This is usually short-lived.

Sedation is another common side effect and can be reduced by following a slowly escalating dose schedule. If primidone or propranolol are not effective by themselves, a combination of both may provide relief for some patients. Gabapentin and topiramate are two other anti-seizure medicines that are sometimes prescribed for essential tremor. In some cases, benzodiazepines such as alprazolam or clonazepam might be suggested.

For essential tremor in your hands, botulinum toxin Botox injections have shown some promise in easing the trembling. They work by slightly relaxing the overactive muscles. The injections are targeted to the specific muscles that are involved in the abnormal movement, while avoiding uninvolved muscles. Botox injections are typically recommended for patients with severe head tremor, and several studies have shown that the injections may significantly help head and voice tremors. For severe tremors, a stimulating device deep brain stimulator surgically implanted in your brain may help.

Essential tremor is usually not dangerous, but it can certainly be frustrating. Certain factors can make tremors worse, so the following steps may help decrease tremors:.

Talk with your health care provider about these and other options, such as surgery, if essential tremor starts to affect your quality of life or if you develop new neurologic symptoms, such as numbness or weakness. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What is essential tremor? What causes essential tremor? What are the symptoms of essential tremor? Here is what you might typically experience: Tremors occur when you move and are less noticeable when you rest.

Certain medicines, caffeine or stress can make your tremors worse. Tremors may improve with ingestion of a small amount of alcohol such as wine. Tremors get worse as you age. Here are signs of essential tremor: Tremors that are most obvious in your hands Difficulty doing tasks with your hands, such as writing or using tools Shaking or quivering sound in your voice Uncontrollable head-nodding In rare instances, tremors in your legs or feet How is essential tremor diagnosed?

To find out for certain, your health care provider may have you try to: Abstain from heavy alcohol use — trembling is a common symptom among people with alcohol use disorder.