Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptoms of TremblingCausesTreatmentDiagnosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms of Trembling
Causes
Treatment
Diagnosis
Trembling is the involuntary, rhythmic shaking of one or more parts of the body. This symptom—which is technically referred to as tremors—can occur temporarily (such as after you’ve had a lot of caffeine) or as part of an underlying health condition.Tremorsmost commonly affect the hands but can also affect the legs, head, trunk, or vocal cords.Though tremors aren’t dangerous, they can significantly impact your quality of life.
This article discusses trembling—what can cause this symptom, treatment for underlying causes, and how trembling is diagnosed.
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Types of Tremors, Causes, and Treatment Options
The main symptom of trembling (or tremors) is involuntary shaking. Symptoms can be constant or come and go, depending on the underlying cause. For this reason, tremors are categorized as resting or active.
Tremors that occur when the muscles are relaxed are called resting tremors. These typically show up as shaking hands, arms, or legs.
For example,Parkinson’s diseasecauses a resting tremor that affects the fingers. This is sometimes called a pill-rolling tremor because the movement of the fingers looks as if a person is rolling a small object between their fingers.
Active tremors occur when a person is trying to perform a task, contracting the muscles purposefully. There are multiple types of active tremors, including the following:
Tremors are also classified into different types, which produce varying trembling symptoms. These include:
Causes of Trembling
Trembling can occur temporarily or long term. In addition to body shakes, trembling can also affect the voice.
Temporary trembling can result from:
Trembling can also result from neurological diseases. Examples include:
Medications and TremblingA variety of medications can lead to trembling. When medication is the source, trembling typically affects both sides of the body equally.Examples of medications that can cause tremors include:CorticosteroidsAsthma medicationsAmphetaminesBeta-adrenergic antagonistsLithiumDepakote (valproic acid)Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Pacerone, Cordarone, and Nexterone (amiodarone)
Medications and Trembling
A variety of medications can lead to trembling. When medication is the source, trembling typically affects both sides of the body equally.Examples of medications that can cause tremors include:CorticosteroidsAsthma medicationsAmphetaminesBeta-adrenergic antagonistsLithiumDepakote (valproic acid)Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Pacerone, Cordarone, and Nexterone (amiodarone)
A variety of medications can lead to trembling. When medication is the source, trembling typically affects both sides of the body equally.
Examples of medications that can cause tremors include:
How to Treat Trembling
Treatment for trembling depends on the underlying cause. In some situations—such as excessive caffeine intake or alcohol withdrawal—symptoms can resolve on their own.
If tremors are occurring because of a condition that cannot be treated, certain medications can help reduce trembling. These include:
For more severe cases, trembling can be treated withdeep brain stimulation (DBS).
Complications of Trembling
Are There Tests to Diagnose Trembling?
Blood work is often done as one of the first steps in diagnosing conditions that can cause tremors. Imaging is also performed to help diagnose neurological diseases that can cause trembling.
Examples include:
When to See a Healthcare ProviderTalk to your healthcare provider if you’re trembling without an apparent cause—such as excess caffeine intake—or if it makes performing daily tasks challenging.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re trembling without an apparent cause—such as excess caffeine intake—or if it makes performing daily tasks challenging.
Summary
Trembling, or tremors, is the involuntary shaking of body parts, often in the hands. Though it is generally harmless, it can interfere with your quality of life and may signify an underlying health condition. Many types of tremors cause trembling and result from various circumstances and conditions, including excessive caffeine consumption, substance use and withdrawal, anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, and more.
A Word From Verywell
Trembling can occur for various reasons—some causes are harmless, while others can be serious health conditions. Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. You might be referred to a specialist, such as a neurologist, to aid in the diagnosis of the cause of your trembling.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Tremor.American Parkinson Disease Association.Other causes of tremor besides Parkinson’s disease.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Functional neurologic disorder.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Traumatic brain injury.Harvard Health Publishing.Essential tremor.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Tremor.American Parkinson Disease Association.Other causes of tremor besides Parkinson’s disease.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Functional neurologic disorder.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Traumatic brain injury.Harvard Health Publishing.Essential tremor.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Tremor.American Parkinson Disease Association.Other causes of tremor besides Parkinson’s disease.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Functional neurologic disorder.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Traumatic brain injury.Harvard Health Publishing.Essential tremor.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Tremor.
American Parkinson Disease Association.Other causes of tremor besides Parkinson’s disease.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Functional neurologic disorder.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Traumatic brain injury.
Harvard Health Publishing.Essential tremor.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures.
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