What Is Tremor And Things You Should Do When You Have One?

Tremors are involuntary, rhythmic body movements of a body part or multiple body parts and are caused by lifestyle factors and various medical conditions. It can affect any part of a person’s body, such as the head, hands, arms, trunk, and legs. However, tremors most often occur in a person’s hands.

Tremor: What Is It?

A tremor is an uncontrollable and unintentional rhythmic movement of a limb or a part of a person’s body. It can occur at any time in any part of a person’s body and is usually due to a problem in the part of a person’s brain called the cerebellum, which controls muscular movement.

It is not easy to treat most tremors, and often they go off on their own. Tremors are different from muscle twitches, which are uncontrolled and fine movements of a portion of a large muscle, or spasms, which are involuntary contractions of a muscle.

If you are a resident of Chennai and you are experiencing tremors, it is important that you consult with the top neurologist in Chennai at the earliest.

There are a variety of reasons for the cause of tremors, and they can be categorised into general causes and those caused by medical conditions. General causes include muscle fatigue, consumption of too much caffeine, hypoglycaemia, stress, injuries, ageing, mercury poisoning, and prescription medications.

On the other hand, tremors caused by medical conditions include traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, use of medications such as corticosteroids and amphetamines, overactive thyroid, liver failure, and alcohol or drug use disorder.

Furthermore, some types of tremors are linked to genetics.

Classification Of Tremors

Broadly, tremors are classified as resting and action tremors. The former type occurs when you are lying still or sitting. When you start moving around, the tremor disappears. A resting tremor often affects the hands. The latter type occurs when you move the affected body part. Action tremors are sub-classified as:

• Postural Tremor
• Intention Tremor
• Task-specific Tremor
• Kinetic Tremor
• Isometric Tremor

Tremors are also classified according to their cause and appearance as follows:

Essential Tremors (Postural Or Intention Tremors) 

It may be mild as well as non-progressive. Sometimes, these tremors may progress very slowly. Typically, it affects both sides of your body. Recent research studies have linked them to Parkinson’s disease and mild cerebellar degeneration in some people.

Parkinsonian Tremors 

They are typically resting tremors and are often the first indication of the development of Parkinson’s disease. It is caused by dopamine depletion in the basal ganglia, a group of brain nuclei. Parkinsonian tremors often start on one side of your body or in one limb before progressing.

Functional Tremors (Psychogenic Tremors) 

They are characterized by:

• Sudden onset as well as remission
• Changes in your affected body part and direction of tremor
• It may present itself as an intention or a postural tremor

People affected by functional tremors experience conversion disorder (a psychological condition) or a psychiatric condition. It is best that they visit the best neurologist doctor in Chennai and seek their advice.

Dystonic Tremors 

It affects those suffering from the condition of dystonia, a movement disorder caused by involuntary muscle contractions. In addition to occurring at any age, these tremors occur irregularly. Complete rest often provides relief from these tremors.

Cerebellar Tremors

They occur because of cerebellum damage or lesion caused by:

• Stroke
• Tumour
• Diseases such as multiple sclerosis
• Alcohol use disorder
• Medication overuse

 However, there is no treatment for this tremor, but getting diagnosed by the best diagnostic labs in Chennai can prevent you from potential risk.

Orthostatic Tremors 

They usually occur in the legs; they are rapid, rhythmic contractions of muscles that occur as soon as you stand up. However, the unsteadiness stops as soon as you sit, start walking or are lifted by someone.

Physiologic Tremors 

It affects the fingers and hands but may not be noticeable. These normal physical responses occur in all individuals. More noticeable physiologic tremors are often caused by alcohol withdrawal, certain drugs, or medical conditions like hypoglycemia, overactive thyroid, or electrolyte imbalance. Physiologic tremors disappear when you eliminate their cause.

Holmes’ Tremor

It is a resting tremor involving the cerebellum, thalamus, or brainstem. The low-frequency tremor typically affects your upper limbs. Slow and uncontrollable shaking occurs when your muscles are relaxed and worsens when you voluntarily contract muscles.

Palatal Tremors 

It occurs after a stroke. Rhythmic movements of the soft palate and pharynx persist during sleep.

Ways To Reduce The Intensity Of Tremor:

Having discussed tremors in detail about tremors, here are a few things you should do if you suffer from tremors:

Reduce Your Stress

It is important to try and get rid of stress in your daily life. This is the first thing your neurologist will tell you to do if you have had a stroke or are at risk of having one. Moreover, it is important to control your anger.

Complete difficult tasks during the time of the day when you feel most active.

Doctors advise most people who experience tremors following a stroke to do challenging tasks during the times they feel most energetic.

Use Heavy Utensils

Research shows that using heavy plates when eating helps some people damp out their tremors. Moreover, it is easier to control utensils with large handles.

Wear Comfortable Shoes And Dresses

Loose clothing with buttons and slip-on shoes are more comfortable for patients who experience tremors.

Sugam Hospital

The neurology department in the multispecialty hospital, Sugam, is by far the best in Chennai, with state-of-the-art facilities including fully equipped CCUs, modern operation theatres, and rehabilitative support. The operation theatres are equipped with the Mayfield head stabilization system, the Carl Zeiss magnification system, a craniotome, a high-speed drill, and other advanced systems. Furthermore, we have highly qualified and experienced neurologists and neurosurgeons capable of treating all types of neurological problems.