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Hand tremors can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from common conditions like essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease to less frequent causes such as cerebral infarctions and familial tremor disorders. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and management. If you experience persistent or severe hand tremors, it is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the appropriate course of action.
Hand tremors, or the involuntary shaking of the hands, can be caused by a variety of factors. Understanding the underlying reasons for hand tremors is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. This article explores several common causes of hand tremors, supported by recent research findings.
1. Essential Tremor
Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common causes of hand tremors. It is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking, primarily affecting the hands. Unlike tremors caused by other conditions, essential tremor usually occurs without other neurological symptoms8. ET can significantly impact daily activities, making tasks such as writing or holding objects challenging.
2. Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is another significant cause of hand tremors. This neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). Hand tremors in Parkinson’s disease are typically resting tremors, meaning they occur when the hands are at rest and diminish with purposeful movement4.
3. Cerebral Infarction
Hand tremors can also result from cerebral infarctions, commonly known as strokes. Strokes can cause delayed-onset hand tremors, particularly when the infarction occurs in areas such as the caudate nucleus or thalamus. These tremors may resemble parkinsonian tremors but are generally less monotonous1. Recognizing stroke-induced tremors is essential for appropriate management and rehabilitation.
4. Physiological Tremor
Physiological tremor is a normal phenomenon that everyone experiences to some degree. It is a fine, rapid tremor that can be observed when holding a position or performing a task requiring precision. Physiological tremor is often exacerbated by factors such as stress, fatigue, caffeine, or certain medications. It is primarily caused by oscillatory reflex loops and the mechanical properties of muscles6.
5. Familial Tremor Disorders
Some hand tremors are inherited and can be part of familial tremor disorders. These disorders may involve abnormal oscillations in motor circuits, leading to tremors in the hands and other body parts. For example, a newly identified familial disorder called micro-saccadic oscillations and limb tremor (microSOLT) involves tiny saccadic eye movements and hand tremors. This condition is hypothesized to result from inherited abnormalities affecting neural inhibition9.
6. Neurological Diseases and Conditions
Various neurological diseases and conditions can cause hand tremors. Multiple sclerosis, for instance, can lead to tremors due to demyelination of nerve fibers in the central nervous system. Additionally, conditions such as dystonia and peripheral neuropathy can also result in hand tremors2.
7. Alcohol Withdrawal and Physical Overexertion
Hand tremors can be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal, commonly known as “the shakes.” This occurs due to the sudden cessation of alcohol intake in individuals with alcohol dependence. Physical overexertion can also lead to temporary hand tremors due to muscle fatigue and stress7.