Tremor

Tremor can affect the hands, arms, head, face, vocal cords, trunk, and legs.

Tremor is generally caused by problems in parts of the brain that control muscles throughout the body or in particular areas, such as the hands.

Neurological disorders or conditions that can produce tremor include:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsons disease
• Drugs (such as amphetamines, corticosteroids, and drugs used for certain psychiatric disorders)
• Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
• Mercury poisoning
• Overactive thyroid
• Liver failure

Some forms of tremor are inherited and run in families – Essential Tremor

• Resting or static tremor (Parkinsons Disease) – occurs when the muscle is relaxed and the limb is fully supported against gravity, such as when the hands are lying on the lap
• Action tremor occurs during any type of movement of an affected body part
• Postural tremor occurs when the person maintains a position against gravity, such as holding the arms outstretched
• Kinetic (or intention) tremor occurs during purposeful voluntary movement, such as touching a finger to one’s nose during a medical exam
• Task-specific tremor appears when performing highly skilled, goal-oriented tasks such as handwriting or speaking
• Isometric tremor occurs during a voluntary muscle contraction