Trembling hands are unpleasant and inconvenient, often causing concern that something may be wrong with our bodies or that it might be a symptom of a serious issue. The truth is, anyone can suffer from hand tremors at any age due to non-threatening causes such as stress, fatigue, or excessive caffeine intake. However, it can also indicate a problem that requires medical attention. Tremors can intensify and make daily tasks difficult, necessitating a prompt identification and treatment of the cause. This is essential not only to stop the tremors and regain control of our hands but also to maintain overall health. If you suffer from hand tremors, here are 15 possible causes to consider:
1. Essential Tremor (AKA benign tremor, familial tremor or idiopathic tremor)
This is the most common reason why many people cannot hold a cup of coffee without their hand shaking. The tremor begins when the hand is in use but stops when the hand is at rest. The cause is not entirely clear, but experts believe it to be genetic. If your symptoms are mild, there's no need for concern. However, if the tremor interferes with daily activities, treatments such as medication, occupational therapy, or surgery might help.
2. Excessive Caffeine
Do you need your morning coffee to start the day? How about the coffee at 10:00, after lunch, and in the evening? That's a lot of coffee and, consequently, a lot of caffeine, which can cause hand tremors if consumed excessively. Note that caffeine is also present in other items you may consume, including headache medications, chocolate, and soft drinks. So even if you don't drink many cups of coffee a day, be mindful of your total caffeine intake.
3. Certain Medications
As mentioned, some medications contain caffeine, which might contribute to your hand tremors. Additionally, some medications have side effects that include tremors. These typically include mood-altering drugs, migraine reducers, asthma treatments, or neuropathic pain medications, and sometimes antihistamines. Check the leaflet of any medication you're taking to see if hand tremors are listed as a side effect.
4. Lack of Sleep
You can't expect your body to function properly without adequate rest. Hand tremors due to lack of sleep are a signal from your brain that you need to rest. Fortunately, if you provide your body with the necessary sleep, this issue should resolve. Try taking a nap to see if it stops the tremors.
5. Parkinson's Disease
Here we move into more serious causes. Hand tremors caused by Parkinson's disease occur when the brain cells linked to muscle movement are damaged. The tremor usually starts in one hand and spreads to the other over time. Besides hand tremors, you might also experience slower movement, balance issues, or stiffness in the arms and legs. Treatment is typically medicinal, but surgery can also help improve hand control.
6. Multiple Sclerosis
This disease damages the fatty and insulating coating of nerves called myelin. This disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses between nerve cells, with hand tremors or tremors in other body parts being a primary symptom. Treatment involves medication, and occupational therapy can help you better manage the symptoms.
7. Hyperthyroidism
Hand tremors can indicate thyroid issues, particularly hyperthyroidism. This means your thyroid gland is overactive, leading to many other unpleasant symptoms. Besides tremors, you might notice weight loss (without trying), sensitivity to bright light, rapid heartbeat, and sleep problems. A simple blood test can diagnose this, so don't delay if you suspect thyroid issues.
8. Low Blood Sugar
Your body needs sugar, which is transported throughout via the bloodstream. If your blood sugar is low, your hands may start to tremble. Eating something sweet can stop these tremors. Note that consistently low blood sugar levels can indicate diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, or poor diet. Some medications can also cause this. If it happens frequently, see a doctor to determine the cause.
9. Stress
Are you facing a stressful task, like public speaking, or watching a scary movie? Any stressor can accelerate your heartbeat and cause hand tremors, but these symptoms should disappear once the stressor is gone. Try relaxation techniques to reduce the stress and associated tremors.
10. Smoking
If you thought smoking to cope with stress would help you stop the tremors, think again. Smoking can actually worsen the tremors because it increases your heart rate, causing your hands to shake. If you're looking to calm down and stop the tremors, cigarettes are not the solution.
11. Alcohol Withdrawal
A glass of wine each evening doesn’t make you an alcoholic and won’t cause serious issues like tremors. However, if you suffer from alcohol addiction and stop drinking, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, one of which is hand tremors. This begins about 10 hours after the last drink and can last for weeks, so you might not connect the tremors to alcohol withdrawal, but they are likely related.
12. Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 plays a significant role in maintaining the health of the nervous system. Vegetarians or vegans are at a higher risk of deficiency in this essential vitamin, and some medications can also affect its levels in your body. Besides hand tremors, you might feel tingling in your legs. If this happens, a blood test can confirm your vitamin levels and determine if you need supplements.
13. Pheochromocytoma
This long word describes a rare tumor that can develop in the adrenal gland. Although usually benign, it secretes an excessive amount of adrenaline and noradrenaline into the blood, affecting the heartbeat and raising blood pressure. This leads not only to hand tremors but also to headaches, excessive sweating, and shortness of breath. Ultimately, the tumor can cause heart disease and stroke, so it should be surgically removed.
Go to BabaMail
