It can be concerning when you notice your hands shaking, especially when you’re trying to perform simple tasks like holding a cup of coffee or using your phone. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why Do My Hands Shake When I Hold Something?”, you might be experiencing a condition called essential tremor. Essential tremor is a common neurological disorder that causes involuntary shaking, and it’s often most noticeable when you’re using your hands.
What is Essential Tremor?
Essential tremor is a nervous system (neurological) disorder that leads to involuntary and rhythmic shaking. While tremors can affect almost any part of the body, they most commonly affect the hands. These tremors are often action tremors, meaning they occur when you’re moving or trying to hold a position, as opposed to when you’re at rest. It’s this action tremor that makes tasks like holding objects, writing, or eating difficult for some individuals.
Alt text: Close-up of hands shaking while holding a clear glass, illustrating essential tremor.
Symptoms of Essential Tremor
The symptoms of essential tremor can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs to look out for:
- Gradual Onset: Essential tremor typically develops slowly over time.
- Action Tremor: Shaking worsens when you are moving or attempting to hold a position against gravity. This is why you might notice your hands shaking more when you’re holding something.
- Hands Affected First: Tremors often start in the hands, and may affect one or both hands.
- Head Tremors: Some people experience head tremors, which can manifest as a “yes-yes” nodding or “no-no” shaking motion.
- Aggravating Factors: Certain factors can make tremors more pronounced, including:
- Emotional stress
- Fatigue
- Caffeine intake
- Temperature extremes
It’s important to note that essential tremor is usually not life-threatening, but it can worsen over time and significantly impact daily activities for some individuals.
Essential Tremor vs. Parkinson’s Disease
Many people automatically associate tremors with Parkinson’s disease, but essential tremor and Parkinson’s are distinct conditions with key differences. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
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Timing of Tremors: The most significant difference lies in when the tremors occur. Essential tremor is typically an action tremor, most prominent when using the hands, such as when holding something, writing, or eating. In contrast, Parkinson’s disease tremors are often resting tremors, meaning they are most noticeable when the hands are relaxed, perhaps resting in your lap or hanging by your sides.
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Associated Conditions: Essential tremor is primarily characterized by tremors and doesn’t usually cause other major health problems. Parkinson’s disease, however, is associated with a broader range of symptoms, including:
- Stooped posture
- Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
- Rigidity or stiffness
- Balance problems and shuffling gait
While essential tremor is mainly characterized by tremors, some individuals with essential tremor might develop other neurological signs over time, such as an unsteady gait.
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Body Parts Affected: Essential tremor commonly affects the hands, head, and voice. Parkinson’s tremors often start in the hands but can spread to legs, chin, and other parts of the body as the condition progresses.
If you are concerned about hand tremors, consulting a healthcare professional is essential to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate guidance.
What Causes Essential Tremor?
In approximately half of individuals with essential tremor, there appears to be a genetic component. This inherited form is known as familial tremor. If you have a family history of tremors, you may be more likely to develop essential tremor. Familial tremor is often passed down through autosomal dominant inheritance.
Alt text: Diagram illustrating autosomal dominant inheritance, showing a parent with essential tremor having a 50% chance of passing the gene to their child.
For the remaining half of people with essential tremor, the exact cause is not yet fully understood. Researchers continue to investigate potential neurological mechanisms that contribute to the development of essential tremor in these cases.
Risk Factors for Essential Tremor
While the precise cause of essential tremor is not always known, certain risk factors have been identified:
- Altered Gene (Familial Tremor): As mentioned, a family history of tremor significantly increases the risk. Familial tremor is an autosomal dominant disorder, meaning only one copy of the altered gene from a parent is needed to inherit the condition. If a parent has the gene, there’s a 50% chance their child will develop essential tremor.
- Age: Age is a significant risk factor. Essential tremor is most common in individuals aged 40 and older. While it can occur at any age, the likelihood increases as you get older.
Complications of Essential Tremor
Essential tremor, while not life-threatening, can lead to complications that impact quality of life, particularly if tremors become severe. These complications can include:
- Difficulty with Daily Activities: Severe tremors can make everyday tasks challenging, such as:
- Holding and drinking from cups or glasses without spilling.
- Eating neatly.
- Applying makeup or shaving.
- Writing legibly.
- Speech Difficulties: If the tremor affects the voice box or tongue, it can lead to speech problems.
- Social and Psychological Impact: Visible tremors can cause embarrassment or anxiety in social situations, potentially leading to social withdrawal or reduced self-esteem.
If you are experiencing hand tremors when holding objects or at other times, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. While essential tremor is often benign, understanding the cause of your tremors is the first step towards managing the condition and maintaining your quality of life.
References:
- Essential tremor. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/essential-tremor. Accessed Feb. 8, 2023.
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- Chou KL, et al. Surgical treatment of essential tremor. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 9, 2023.
- Spindler MA, et al. Overview of tremor. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 9, 2023.
- Ferri FF. Essential tremor. In: Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 9, 2023.
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- Giordano M, et al. Comparison between deep brain stimulation and magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound in the treatment of essential tremor: A systematic review and pooled analysis of functional outcomes. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. 2020; doi:10.1136/jnnp-2020-323216.
- Coping tips for everyday living. International Essential Tremor Foundation. https://essentialtremor.org/resource/coping-tips-for-everyday-living/. Accessed Dec. 7, 2021.
- AskMayoExpert. Essential tremor (adult). Mayo Clinic; 2022.
- Karamesinis A, et al. Wearable peripheral electrical stimulation devices for the reduction of essential tremor: A review. IEEE Access. 2021; doi:10.1109/access.2021.3084819.
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