There are many possible causes of shaking hands, also known as tremors. Some of the most common causes include:
- Essential tremor: Essential tremor is the most common type of tremor. It is a neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable shaking of the hands, head, and sometimes other parts of the body. Essential tremor is not life-threatening, but it can be embarrassing and make it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
- Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. It causes a variety of symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and poor balance.
- Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that damages the myelin sheath, which protects the nerve fibers. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including tremors, numbness, weakness, and vision problems.
- Overactive thyroid: Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including tremors, anxiety, weight loss, and rapid heartbeat.
- Low blood sugar: Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a condition that occurs when the blood sugar level drops too low. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including tremors, sweating, dizziness, and hunger.
- Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause tremors, especially in people who are sensitive to it.
- Medications: Some medications, such as beta-blockers, lithium, and some antidepressants, can cause tremors as a side effect.
- Alcohol withdrawal: Alcohol withdrawal can cause a variety of symptoms, including tremors, anxiety, and seizures.
- Mercury poisoning: Mercury poisoning can cause a variety of symptoms, including tremors, numbness, and weakness.
- Anxiety: Anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including tremors, sweating, and dizziness.
- Stress: Stress can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including tremors, headaches, and stomach problems.
- Lack of sleep: Lack of sleep can cause a variety of physical and mental symptoms, including tremors, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
- Old age: Tremors are more common in older adults. This is because the nervous system tends to decline with age.
If you are experiencing shaking hands, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Once the cause is identified, your doctor can recommend the best course of treatment.
Some treatments for shaking hands include:
- Medication: There are a number of medications available that can help to reduce tremors.
- Surgery: Surgery may be an option for people with severe tremors that do not respond to other treatments.
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding caffeine, can also help to reduce tremors.
If you have any concerns about shaking hands, please talk to your doctor.