Tremors

 What is a tremor?

• A tremor is a condition which causes involuntary movements, including shaking or trembling. These movements are often affecting the hands but sometimes other areas of the body too – such as arms, legs, voice and head.

• Tremors can be caused by multiple neurological conditions

  • e.g. Parkinsons Disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, essential tremor

• Other causes for tremors include anxiety/stress, medication side effects, overactive thyroid and excessive caffeine.

 Tremors sometimes may impact daily tasks such as handwriting, shaving, dressing etc.  This is often challenging for patients with this symptom.

 Common symptoms:

• Rhythmic shaking

• Difficulty holding and manipulating objects – such as utensils, hairbrush, pens, clothing etc

• A shaky voice

 Types of tremors:

REST TREMOR

• This will occur whilst the body is at rest, and not voluntarily being moved

• E.g. a tremor in the hand whilst resting in the lap, or hanging by side whilst walking

• This is often associated with Parkinsons Disease however not always. This is sometimes caused by other conditions such as essential tremor or other Parkinsonian conditions.

• Can sometimes reduce whilst completing movement

Key Characteristics:

• The tremor is present when the body part is at rest, and not voluntarily moving

• Often a rhythmic movement, e.g. oscillating or repetitive

• Can sometimes lessen with active movement

• Often observed in the hands, however can involve feet, legs, head, face.

ACTION TREMOR

• This will occur whilst the body is moving actively

• For example, this can be when reaching for a glass of water or holding a plate.

• This can be categorised into postural tremor (whilst holding the body part in a specific position, e.g. holding plate) or kinetic tremor (appears when completing a target directed movement e.g. handwriting).

• Often associated with conditions such as essential tremor and cerebellar disorders

Tremors are a common symptoms of Parkinsons Disease. For more information about tremors and Parkinsons Disease read more at ‘Parkinsons Foundation’ - https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/tremor

 Issues with voice and speech are addressed with a speech pathologist.

FURTHER READING

Information on tremor (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke