12 Jan Shaky Hands – Is It A Serious Problem?
Shaky hands are a common sight we see, especially in the aged. The hands start to tremble after a certain age, when the body is too weak and fragile. But, shaky hands doesn’t always mean an aging body. It could be more than that! Shaky hands can occur as a symptom of movement disorders like essential tremor or Parkinson’s Disease, when there is a problem with the neuromuscular system or central nervous system. There could be only shaky hands, or tremors in other parts of the body too, like in the legs, neck, head, and jaws.
How do you identify the reason behind shaky hands?
When the shaky hands are due to aging, there is generally occasional trembling, which may be seen during making movements, or trying to hold or pick up something. Continuous shaky hands, even at rest, may mean that the underlying condition is a movement disorder. However, this is a just a general notion, and may not always be true. This is why when you experience shaky hands, it is best to approach a specialist to diagnose you and identify the actual reason behind your tremors.
Action tremor versus resting tremor
As we mentioned above, shaky hands could be occasional or continuous. Depending on this, shaky hands are categorized into two types.
- When the hands shake only during movement or while executing an action like reaching out, lifting, holding, or writing, it is known as action tremor. This is generally an indication of nothing so serious.
- If the hands shake continually, even when the hands are at rest, it is known as resting tremor. Such tremor could be a sign of essential tremor, Parkinson’s Disease, or any other neurological disorder, which is when you’ll need to visit a specialist.
What is the cause of tremor?
While there is yet no known cause for tremors, one of the most common reasons found has been inheritance. When one or both of the parents suffer from tremor, it is likely that the child is affected too. Other reasons could include anxiety, stress, fatigue, asthma, low blood sugar, or too much intake of caffeine or alcohol. Taking too many mood stabilizers or seizure medications may also cause shaky hands.
How can shaky hands be treated?
If the hands are shaking due to old age or are a kind of action tremor, there should be nothing to worry about. However, if it is resting tremor, and the underlying cause is a neurological issue, you’ll need tremor treatment in UAE from a specialist like Dr. Shivam Mittal. Depending upon your condition, you may be given sedatives or other medications; but remember, such drugs cannot stop tremors completely; they can only slow the tremors down. If you need a better treatment, you’ll then have to opt for severe measures like a Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. This surgery is invasive, and has been proven to control symptoms, but again, this too isn’t a permanent procedure. You will require periodic check-ups and maintenance every 6 or 12 months. Botulinum toxin injections is a unique treatment for tremor and Dr. Shivam is pioneer in this field with multiple clinical trials and papers published. Along with such treatments, the doctor will also help you with certain tips on how you can cope up with your tremors and control shaky hands to a certain extent.
