What is Causing my Hands to Shake?

There are many causes of shaking hands. Too much caffeine, low blood sugar, fatigue, fear, anger or stress all can cause tremors. Cigarette smoking, alcohol and side effects of medications can also cause tremors. The shaking or tremors usually of the hands are very common and can happen at any age.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Rise Above Health Blog) - Most often the tremors are "Essential Tremors", or tremors without any clear cause. This type of tremor is most apparent when you are trying to do something, This type of tremor is often familial, meaning it runs in families.

There are three main types of tremors:

1.  Static or resting tremors. This type of tremor is noticeable when your muscles are resting. The tremors may not be noticeable when you are moving. This can be a symptom of Parkinson's disease.

2.  Kinetic or intentional tremors. These occur with purposeful movement like writing, typing or pressing a button. These tremors often go away when the muscles are at rest. This can be a symptom of Multiple sclerosis.

3.  Postural or action tremors happen when you are holding your arm out or when you stand up. This also may occur when you are writing or holding a cup. Stress, anxiety and fatigue can cause postural tremor.

A tremor that does not go away over time may be an indication that there is a medical problem, and at the very least, you should see a doctor.

If you or a loved one has tremors, try to figure what is causing the symptoms. You can do this by elimination. Could caffeine be the culprit? Stress at work or home? Are you missing meals? Changes in lifestyle may make a difference.

See your doctor if your tremor is worse at rest or is prolonged, severe or it occurs with other symptoms like a headache, weakness, muscle contractions or any body movements that you cannot control.

If you think the tremors are caused by a medication it is very important to see your doctor, and not change or stop your medications on your own.

Your doctor will want to know several things.

1.  When does the tremor occur and what are you doing at the time.

2.  What the tremor looks like and what part of the body is affected.

3.  Do both hands shake and is the shaking the same on both sides.

4.  Does the tremor affect your lifestyle or interfere with tasks.

5.  Are there any triggers that make your tremors start or get worse.

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