It’s unsettling to experience your body shaking or trembling when you don’t want it to. Everyone experiences some degree of tremor, but when does shaking become a cause for concern? If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why Am I Shaking?”, this guide will help you understand the common causes of tremors, when they are normal, and importantly, when it’s time to seek medical advice.
What Exactly is a Tremor?
A tremor is defined as an involuntary, rhythmic shaking movement in one or more parts of your body. It most commonly affects the hands, but can also occur in the arms, head, legs, or torso. While a slight tremor is a natural phenomenon, noticeable or persistent shaking can be disruptive and raise questions about underlying health issues.
When is a Little Shaking Normal?
It’s important to recognize that a subtle tremor is a normal physiological occurrence. For instance, if you extend your hands in front of you, you’ll notice they aren’t perfectly still; a very slight tremor is present. This is entirely normal.
However, sometimes this natural tremor can become more pronounced. This increase in shaking is often linked to everyday factors such as:
- Aging: As we get older, tremors can become slightly more noticeable.
- Stress and Emotional States: Feeling stressed, tired, anxious, or angry can all amplify normal tremors.
- Stimulants: Consuming stimulants like caffeine found in tea, coffee, and cola, as well as alcohol or nicotine from smoking, can trigger or worsen shaking.
- Body Temperature: Being excessively hot or cold can also lead to increased tremor activity.
These situations generally cause temporary tremors that subside once the trigger is removed or the body returns to a balanced state.
When Should You Be Concerned About Shaking?
While occasional shaking might be normal, certain tremor characteristics and associated symptoms warrant attention from a healthcare professional. It’s advisable to see a doctor if you experience tremors or shaking hands and:
- The Tremor Worsens Over Time: If you notice your shaking gradually becoming more intense or frequent, it’s important to get it checked.
- It Impacts Daily Life: When tremors start to interfere with your everyday activities like eating, writing, dressing, or working, it’s a sign that the shaking is significant and needs evaluation.
In these instances, consulting a doctor is crucial to determine if the tremor is related to an underlying medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
To understand why you are shaking, your doctor will conduct a thorough assessment. This may involve:
- Physical Examination: A general physical exam to observe the tremor and assess your overall health.
- Symptom Review: The doctor will ask about any other symptoms you might be experiencing alongside the shaking.
- Medication History: They’ll inquire about any medications you are currently taking, as some drugs can induce tremors as a side effect.
- Medical and Family History: Understanding your personal and family medical history is important, as some tremor disorders have a genetic component.
For mild tremors not linked to an underlying condition, often no specific treatment is needed beyond managing potential triggers. However, your doctor may want to monitor the tremor over time to ensure it doesn’t progress.
If your tremor suggests a possible underlying condition such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, you may be referred to a neurologist or other specialist for more detailed testing and diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Significant Tremors
If your tremor is significantly impacting your quality of life, your doctor may recommend treatment options. While medication cannot cure most tremors, it can often help to reduce the severity of shaking.
Depending on the type and cause of your tremor, medication might be prescribed for regular use or only as needed – for example, before situations known to exacerbate your shaking, like stressful events.
For tremors affecting the head or voice, injections of botulinum toxin may be considered to block nerve signals and relax the affected muscles.
In rare and severe cases where medication is ineffective, brain surgery might be explored as a treatment option for debilitating tremors.
In conclusion, while occasional and mild shaking can be a normal experience, persistent or worsening tremors that affect your daily life should not be ignored. Seeking medical advice is the first step to understanding “why am I shaking” and accessing appropriate management or treatment if necessary.
