is the rhythmic, oscillating shaking movement of the whole body or just a certain part of it, caused by problems of the
Neuron s responsible from
Muscle action.
Tremor may occur as an isolated symptom and usually of
Idiopathic (unknown) cause (
Essential Tremor ) or a part of the symptom constellation of another disorder (e.g.
Parkinson's Disease ). Tremors may occur at rest (Parkinson's disease), during voluntary movements (cerebellar lesions) or during excessive activity of muscles (
Essential Tremor ,
Hyperthyroidism ). Usually, tremors involve the
Hand s, but they may also involve the
Head ,
Face ,
Trunk ,
Neck ,
Voice and
Legs .
There are several types of tremors. These include:
- is a tremor that occurs despite the limb being fully supported and at rest. It usually progresses at the rate of 4-7 Hz ( Hertz ), and is the typical Parkinsonian tremor, though it may also occur with an essential tremor.
- occurs when an individual tries to perform an action.
- occurs when supporting a limb against gravity.
Tremors may increase with
Anxiety and
Caffeine and cease during
Sleep . Tremors can also be the side effect of acute or prolonged use of certain medications such as some antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline, nefazodone, etc) and some antihistamines; the tremors caused by these medications subside after the medication is discontinued. Amongst the diseases associated with tremors,
Essential Tremor and
Parkinson's Disease are the best known. Tremor can also be caused by
Multiple Sclerosis and can also occur due to large
Doses of
Ionizing Radiation .
Medication s are used only if tremor interferes with daily life activities. Some of the drugs that can be used are
Clonazepam ,
Primidone and
Propranolol .
are not tremors.)
