Symptoms & Signs
The tremors may affect the hands, arms, head, or eyelids. The tremors rarely affect the lower body and may not affect body sides of the body equally.
The shaking usually involves 6 to 10 movements per second.
The tremors may be:
- Episodic (occuring in discrete bursts)
- Intermittent (come and go with activity, but not always)
- Sporadic (occasional)
They can:
- Disappear during sleep
- Get worse with voluntary movement and emotional stress
Other symptoms may include:
- Head nodding
- Shaking or quivering sound to your voice
Diagnosis & Tests
Your doctor can make the diagnosis by performing a physical exam and asking questions about your medical and personal history, especially your medication use.
A physical exam will show shaking with movement. There are usually no problems with coordination or mental function.
Other tests are usually not needed. However, further tests may be done to rule out other reasons for the tremors. Tremors that occur when the muscles are relaxed or that affect the legs or coordination may be a sign of another condition, such as Parkinson’s disease. Other causes of tremors may include:
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Cigarette smoking
- Hyperthyroidism
- Parkinson’s disease
- Pheochromocytoma
- Too much caffeine
- Wilson’s disease
Blood tests and imaging studies (such as a CT scan of the head, brain MRI, and x-rays) are usually normal.
-
Drug-induced tremor : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
-
Drug-induced tremor : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Drug-induced tremor : Treatment
Review Date : 8/14/2008
Reviewed By : Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital; and Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
