Recognize Tremors and their Causes

Tremors are uncontrolled and uncontrolled movements in one or more parts of your body. Tremors usually occur because the part of the brain that controls muscles experiences problems. Tremors cause trembling in the body, the most commonly affected part is the hand. In general, tremors do not always indicate significant health problems. However, in certain cases tremors can indicate a serious problem in a person's body.

What are the causes of tremor?

The cause of tremors in general is a problem in the area of ​​the brain that regulates muscles of certain body parts. Some diseases and conditions that can cause tremors are Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injury, liver failure, and neurodegenerative diseases (decreased nerve function). Hyperthyroidism and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can also cause tremors. In addition, several types of drugs used in the long term can also cause this condition. These drugs include amphetamines, corticosteroids, and drugs used for certain psychiatric disorders. Alcohol abuse, excessive caffeine consumption, and mercury poisoning can cause tremors.

Several Types of Tremors

The types of tremor are usually classified according to their symptoms and causes.

• Parkinson's tremor

As the name implies, this type of tremor is common in patients who have Parkinson's disease. The typical tremor in Parkinson's disease is a resting tremor in which tremor appears at rest and decreases during movement. Usually this condition is an early symptom of Parkinson's disease which, as we know, occurs because of a problem in the brain that controls movement. This condition usually attacks those aged 60 years and over. This disorder usually starts attacking one leg or certain body part and will spread to other body parts.

• Essential tremor

This is the most common type of body movement disorder suffered. This type of condition usually has a relatively slow development. If a person has this type of tremor in one part of his body, then its development to another part of the body can take years. Although it has been believed that tremor is not associated with any disease process, some recent studies say that tremor is associated with cerebellar degeneration, which is the part of the brain that controls a person's movements. Essential tremor can have mild to severe symptoms and depends on which part of the body is affected. Symptoms include trembling hands when doing activities, trembling voice when talking, difficulty walking, and others. This situation can be aggravated by stress, fatigue, hunger, caffeine, smoking, and extreme temperatures.

• Cerebellar tremor

Cerebellar (cerebellum) damage can be caused by strokes, tumors, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, it can also be caused by chronic dependence on alcohol and the use of certain drugs in the long run.

• Dystonic tremor

Dystonia is a movement disorder in which there are continuous muscle contractions that cause circular and repetitive movements. In people with dystocia, tremors can occur which can improve when doing complete rest.

• Orthotastic tremor

Orthostatic tremor occurs in a very fast time, characterized by muscle contractions immediately after standing. Many consider this condition to be an instability of balance. This instability will subside if the sufferer sits, starts walking, or is lifted.

• Physiological tremor

The body's reaction to the influence of certain drugs and withdrawal symptoms can cause tremors. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and overactive thyroid gland can also cause this disorder. Tremors because of these causes can be cured as the loss of what is the underlying cause.

• Psychogenic tremor

Tremors arising from psychological conditions are marked by an attack that appears or disappears suddenly and changes location. Patients usually also have mental disorders, such as conversion disorders, where patients experience physical disorders but no underlying medical disorders are found.

Tremor Treatment

Treatment of some types of tremor depends on how accurate the diagnosis is. Because some tremors will disappear once the conditions that caused them can be overcome. However, most cases of tremor cannot be cured. In some other cases of tremor, medication may be prescribed by a doctor to overcome it. There are also a number of therapies such as botox injections, physical therapy such as placing a load on the wrist, and brain stimulation therapy which can also be an option for treating tremors. See your doctor immediately if you experience sudden tremors or get worse. Moreover, if the tremors have disrupted daily activities. Report to your doctor if you suspect that certain drugs you are taking are causing tremors. If tremors are triggered by your lifestyle such as excessive alcohol consumption and caffeine, then reducing or avoiding them is the easiest way.