A tremor, in medical terms, refers to a rhythmic and involuntary shaking or trembling of a body part. Tremors primarily begin with the hands but can also affect the head, legs, trunk, and voice box. A person with hand tremors may not be able to keep their hands outstretched without trembling. While some tremors may occur while at rest, some are triggered during movement. Read on to learn more about hand tremors.

Treatment of hand tremors
There are four leading causes of hand tremors. The tremors may look different based on the cause, and doctors use these differences to diagnose the cause and decide on the proper treatment.

Essential tremors
Essential tremors are involuntary movements that are caused by neurological issues when one is at rest. These tremors could include hand and head tremors and may be accompanied by a trembling voice. The hand tremors may worsen while moving the hand or performing an activity like writing, brushing, eating, or doing other day-to-day activities.

Doctors treat essential tremors using new techniques like weighted utensils and oral pharmacological therapies, which can reduce the tremors. Weighted utensils are devices that are heavier than usual and have a better grip that helps stop hand tremors. Doctors may also use a technique called Deep Brain Stimulation, where they implant an electrode in the brain, which connects through a wire to a device in the chest. The impulses from the device help drown the abnormal signals that cause the tremors.

Tremors caused by Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is caused by imbalanced levels of dopamine – a chemical in the brain. It is a neurological disorder. Tremors may typically begin in the hands and affect the head and the limbs. The symptoms of tremors caused by Parkinson’s disease are:
Gradually worsening tremors or involuntary shaking while at rest
Rigidity of muscles
Slow movements
Lack of balance resulting in frequent fall
Problems with concentration and memory
Changes in the way one writes or talks
Hallucinations

The first line of treating hand tremors caused by Parkinson’s disease is pharmacological therapy using levodopa to increase dopamine production in the brain. Doctors also use weighted utensils and DBS for those with severe hand tremors.

Tremors caused by stroke
A stroke can result in jerk-like tremors in the hands and legs. The tremors may occur during a stroke, and continue even after the stroke is treated. The jerk-like tremors caused by stroke are called rubral tremors. If the stroke damages the cerebellum, which controls coordination, one may be affected by the cerebellar tremor.

If someone is experiencing any stroke-like symptoms, they should immediately rush to the hospital or call 911. Doctors will treat with pharmacological therapies like blood thinners. If the tremors are severe, they may use a similar treatment approach used to treat Parkinson’s tremors. If the tremors are severe and are not responding to other treatments, they may prescribe Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).

Typical symptoms of a stroke are:
Facial weakness
Weakness on one side of the body
Slurred speech
Tremors
Sudder and severe headache

Enhanced physiological tremors
One may notice trembling in both hands if factors like anxiety, caffeine addiction, hyperthyroidism, or long-time use of oral pharmacological stimulants trigger the tremors. The tremor is usually very subtle and may become visible with time in a few patients.

To treat hand tremors caused by physiological tremors, doctors treat the underlying cause, like treating anxiety disorder, hyperthyroidism, or changing the pharmacological therapies. Doctors recommend various lifestyle changes and psychological techniques to help one overcome anxiety and stress to control tremors. Physical therapy focuses on training a person to control the hand muscles.