In detail, hand tremor is a symptom triggered by various types of disorders and pathologies; even if, in some cases and within certain levels (tremor so slight as to be hardly perceptible to the naked eye), it can be considered normal and physiological.
On the contrary, when the tremor in the hands is accentuated and manifests itself clearly (even at rest), it is very likely that it originates from causes of a pathological nature. In such a situation, therefore, recourse to a doctor's consultation is absolutely necessary.
mutually innervated antagonists.As mentioned, hand tremor - when evident and particularly pronounced - is considered as a symptom that can be attributed to various ailments and diseases.
Although, in itself, the tremor in the hands does not represent a real danger to the patient's life, its presence can make it difficult to carry out the simplest and most normal daily activities (such as, for example, drinking, eating, etc. .) becoming disabling.
Physiological tremor
Some degree of tremor - termed physiological tremor - is present in all healthy individuals. This tremor is an oscillatory movement having a low amplitude and a variable frequency from 7 to 12 Hz. It is an almost imperceptible movement, which can be highlighted almost exclusively through specific electrophysiological methods.
Hand tremor of a non-pathological nature
In some cases, the presence of a slight tremor in the hands - greater in intensity than the so-called physiological tremor (increased amplitude but constant frequency) - can be considered a normal phenomenon caused by non-pathological factors. In fact, a certain degree of tremor can occur when taking uncomfortable positions, following a great effort and fatigue or in the presence of stress. In such situations, the tremor is generally eliminated, or in any case attenuated, by taking a more comfortable position and resting. Excessive consumption of caffeine can also cause a transient increase in physiological hand tremor; in this case, the reduction of consumption of this substance and the foods that contain it should be sufficient to restore normal conditions.
or neurodegenerative which tend to onset in old age.
However, this does not mean that the symptom cannot arise even in young individuals, either as a result of causes of a pathological nature, or as a result of the intake / exposure of / to drugs or toxic substances.
, while others mostly concern the young age.In any case, among the pathologies that can give rise to the hand tremor symptom, we remember:
- Movement disorders, such as:
- Parkinson's disease (typical of old age);
- Parkinsonisms, ie pathologies that manifest themselves with symptoms very similar to Parkinson's disease, but having a different origin and course from the latter;
- Essential tremor, a particular type of movement disorder whose causes have not yet been clearly identified.
- Multiple sclerosis;
- Psychiatric pathologies and disorders. In this case, the tremor in the hands represents a somatization of diseases such as, for example, anxiety and panic attacks.
- Hyperthyroidism;
- Stroke;
- Brain tumors;
- Demyelinating disorders.
Other factors that can cause hand tremor are:
- Trauma;
- Hypoglycemia;
- Alcohol abuse and / or withdrawal;
- Taking, abusing and / or abstinence from narcotic substances or other drugs of abuse (such as, for example, amphetamines, cocaine, etc.);
- Taking certain types of drugs (for example, antidepressants, sympathomimetics, lithium and phenothiazines);
- Mercury or other heavy metal poisoning.
The appearance of one type of hand tremor rather than another is closely related to the triggering cause.
of the patient; in this regard, please note that - in order to arrive at a correct diagnosis - it is useful to know:
- When tremor occurs (at rest, during an intentional movement, when assuming a certain position, during the performance of a particular activity, etc.);
- What other parts of the body are affected by the tremor besides the hands;
- Amplitude and frequency of tremor.
In addition to the collection of anamnestic data, the doctor can use various types of analyzes and diagnostic tests, such as:
- Complete blood tests (useful for determining the presence of certain pathologies - such as, for example, hyperthyroidism - or any addictions or intoxications);
- Thorough physical examination of the patient;
- Electromyography (useful for determining the presence of any problems or disorders in the peripheral nerves or skeletal muscles);
- CT scan and magnetic resonance (useful for identifying lesions, malignant formations, etc.).
The execution of a neurological specialist examination can also prove very useful for the diagnosis.
or other psychiatric disorders).
However, it should be remembered that the chosen therapy does not always prove effective in resolving the symptom. For example, in Parkinson's disease - due to the neurodegenerative nature of the disease - tremor in the hands and other areas of the body does not stop with currently available drug therapy.
