Tremor is a type of movement or shaking of the body due to the contraction of a muscle. It can affect various body parts like hands, legs, head, arms, vocal cords, etc. They are involuntary in nature, which means that it is out of one’s control. It is a type of movement disorder. The shakiness can be mild or severe. Tremors can be triggered by anxiety, fatigue, and certain medications. The shaking can be constant or recurring.
Types of tremors:
Tremors can be classified by:
- When they occur
- Underlying cause
‘By when they occur’ could be further divided into:
- Resting tremor, which includes Parkinsonian tremor
- Action tremor, which includes kinetic tremor, postural tremor, and task-specific tremor.
‘By underlying cause’ can be further divided into:
- Parkinsonian tremor
- Cerebellar tremor
- Essential tremor
- Orthostatic tremor
- Dystonic tremor
- Psychogenic tremor
- Physiologic tremor
Various causes:
Tremors are usually caused by a neurological condition and sometimes by other reasons. The causes can be neurological, metabolic, medication, and lifestyle factors.
- Neurological disorders: Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, brain conditions like stroke, sclerosis, traumatic injuries of the brain, and brain tumors.
- Metabolic issues: kidney or liver failure, mercury poisoning, hyperthyroidism.
- Medication: drugs, including immunosuppressants, antidepressants, and antivirals, can cause side effects like tremors. Also, the excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol can cause tremors.
- Lifestyle factors: nutritional deficiencies, anxiety, stress, fatigue, and normal aging can contribute to causing tremors.
Symptoms of tremors include:
- Shaking of hands or parts of the body which is uncontrollable.
- nodding head,
- visible trembling,
- quivering voice, and
- difficulty in writing and eating.
Diagnosis:
Tremors need to be diagnosed by a healthcare professional. Various steps are followed for the proper diagnosis:
- Medical history: The doctor will ask you about your family history and lifestyle, including intake of caffeine and medicines you are taking.
- Neurological and physical exam: The doctor will check the strength< balance, and coordination, muscle tone, etc, to notice the frequency.
- Performance tests: You may be asked to hold a pen or write something to determine the type of tremors.
- Imaging tests: MRI or CT scan may help in checking any structural abnormalities in the brain.
- Blood tests: these tests help to know the underlying cause behind tremors, such as thyroid or any vitamin deficiency.
- Electromyography (EMG): This is done to measure nerve and muscle activity to find the origin of tremors.
Management and treatment:
The management of tremors emphasizes exploring the underlying cause with the use of prescribed medicines such as:
- Beta blockers for essential tremors
- drugs to increase dopamine for Parkinsonian tremors.
- Physical therapy,
- occupational therapy,
- anti-seizure drugs to reduce tremors,
- Tranquilizers,
- Botox injections,
- avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol,
- Surgical options include focused ultrasound thalamotomy and deep-brain stimulation.
Adaptive equipment, like tremor-canceling devices and orthotic braces, may help improve working capacity. The treatments rely on the severity of and the underlying cause of tremors.
Conclusion
Tremors require medical professionals to be treated the right way. Orthoderma Clinic serves as the best clinic in Ludhiana. Tremors can affect daily life activities, which can lead to anxiety and stress, and that can worsen the problem. Our expert neuro doctors help you regain control over your health. Life with tremors is very difficult. To live a tremor-free life, you must consult our doctors and get it diagnosed in time for assured treatment.