SHAKY HANDS: IS IT AGING OR A SERIOUS MEDICAL PROBLEM?

WHAT DOES SHAKY HANDS MEAN?

Shaky hands are a common symptom that can even occur in healthy people. Although there are many causes of shaky hands, in some people there is no known cause. The most common cause is an essential tremor, which often is inherited and considered benign. Shaky hands may occur with conditions that affect only the hands or with conditions that affect the other parts of the body, such as generalized diseases of the neuromuscular system or central nervous system. Diseases that cause shaky hands include Parkinson’s disease, overactive thyroid, and multiple sclerosis.

DOES OLD AGE CAUSE SHAKY HANDS?

Occasional trembling and shaky hands can occur at any age, but are more likely the older you get. When people see shaking and tremor in older adults, they think of Parkinson’s disease, a chronic movement disorder that can lead to other problems. However, these are some misconceptions associated with shaky hands.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF SHAKY HANDS?

Some of the types of shaky hands or tumors are:

• If shaking occurs during an action —- reaching for something, writing, steadying a cup of coffee — that’s called an active tremor. Active tremors do not usually point to a serious neurological disorder such as Parkinson’s disease.
• If shaking occurs when the hands are at rest — for example, folded in your lap — that’s called a resting tremor. If a resting tremor develops suddenly or worsens over time, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Resting tremor may be a sign of Parkinson’s disease.

WHO ARE AT THE RISK OF DEVELOPING SHAKY HANDS?

Some people are more likely than others to develop shakiness as they get older. Essential tremor is commonly passed down genetically through families.

WHAT CAUSES SHAKY HANDS?

Some of the causes are:

• Anxiety, stress, fatigue, low blood sugar and/or too much caffeine can cause or worsen a tremor.
• Shakiness may be more intense or occur more often if you or a loved one are taking:
• Mood stabilizers
• Seizure medications
• Bronchodilators for asthma

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT AVAILABLE?

The drugs used to treat tremor tend to be sedating. Sedatives also may not interact well with other drugs, which you’re more likely to take as you age. Medications can slow tremor but rarely stop it completely. When drugs are unable to control an active tremor, other treatment options are deep brain stimulation or a Gamma Knife procedure.

WHY KIMS?

KIMS - with the best neuro specialist doctors in Hyderabad, hand tremor treatment specialist in Hyderabad as well as the best neurologist for tremor treatment in Hyderabad - is dedicated to treating tremor disorders and shaking hands. Our experienced team work closely with other disciplines to address conditions in which hand tremors occur, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke and dystonia. Once we have answered your question “why do my hands shake” and discovered the underlying causes, we provide ongoing follow-up care and make adjustments to your treatment along the way so you can achieve the highest possible level of function.