Quick answer
What could tremor mean?
A tremor is a rhythmic, involuntary shaking movement, most often affecting the hands. Tremor that appears when you use your hands is often essential tremor, or it is worsened by caffeine and anxiety. A tremor that occurs at rest, especially with slowness or stiffness, needs assessment for Parkinson's disease.
Understanding tremor
A tremor is a rhythmic, involuntary shaking movement, most often noticed in the hands. The type of tremor, and the situations in which it appears, both matter because they help point towards the underlying cause.
Causes of tremor
The main causes of tremor are essential tremor, a heightened physiological tremor, Parkinson’s disease and thyroid problems. Some medicines can also cause shaking as a side effect, which is known as drug-induced tremor.
Self-care for tremor
Reducing your caffeine intake and managing stress can both lessen a tremor. If shaking makes everyday tasks difficult, adaptive utensils and similar equipment can make eating and drinking easier.
When a GP will refer you for tremor
A tremor that is progressive, or that limits what you can do day to day, should be assessed by a GP. Referral to a neurology specialist may follow if the assessment suggests it is needed.
Common questions about tremor
- What is essential tremor?
- Essential tremor is an action tremor, which means the shaking appears when you are using your hands rather than when they are resting. It often runs in families.
- Can anxiety cause a tremor?
- Yes, anxiety can cause a fine shake driven by adrenaline. Treating the underlying anxiety and reducing your caffeine intake usually helps this type of tremor.
- What does a Parkinson's disease tremor look like?
- A Parkinson's tremor typically occurs when the hand is at rest rather than in use. It usually comes together with slowness of movement and stiffness, which is why these features are assessed alongside the shaking.
- Will giving up coffee stop my tremor?
- Cutting back on caffeine is a reasonable first step, because caffeine can make a tremor worse. If the tremor persists after you have reduced caffeine, see a GP so the cause can be properly assessed.