Tremor

What is tremor?

Tremor is an uncontrollable movement that can occur on its own or as a symptom of another health condition. It involves repetitive, rhythmic shaking or trembling. Though it frequently affects the hands, it can also occur in the head, vocal cords, trunk, arms, and legs.

Your tremor might be constant, occur when resting or active, or be triggered by stress, intense emotions, or tiredness. The muscle shaking could be mild or severe enough to disrupt daily life and make tasks like writing, shaving, dressing, and eating difficult.

Are there different types of tremor?

Yes, there are several types, including:

Essential tremor:

Essential tremor is a movement disorder (not a symptom) that typically affects your hands and arms but can appear in other body areas. The shaking occurs when using the affected body area and stops when resting.

Parkinsonian tremor:

Tremor is among the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The shaking typically occurs in your hands when they’re at rest and improves when active (the opposite of essential tremor).

Dystonic tremor

Dystonic tremor refers to shaking in people with dystonia, a neurological movement disorder that causes uncontrollable muscle spasms. These spasms result in twisting, unusual body positions, and repetitive movements in any part of the body.

Cerebellar tremor (intention tremor):

Cerebellar tremor affects the muscles in your arms or legs and occurs when you engage in purposeful movement. For example, if the tremor is in your arm, the shaking occurs when using your arm to reach for an object or pick up a cup.

Enhanced physiologic tremor:

This type of tremor is different from the others because it’s not a neurological condition. Instead of originating in the brain, specific medications and health conditions cause the tremors.

How are tremors treated?

Your Advanced Neurology of Katy provider recommends personalized treatments to minimize or control tremors. Examples include:

Medication

Several medications, including anti-seizure and beta-blockers, slow or stop tremors by regulating your brain’s electrical activity or neurotransmitters (brain chemicals).

Botox®

Botox injections can help head and hand tremors by relaxing specific muscles.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

DBS requires surgery to implant electrodes in the brain and a small generator under the skin in your upper chest. The generator sends mild electrical signals through the electrodes into the brain, regulating nerve activity that causes tremors.

Call Advanced Neurology of Katy or connect online to get expert tremor care.