What are the common causes of tremors?

Tremors are involuntary movements that can affect various parts of the body, most commonly the hands. There are several common causes of tremors, including:

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition that affects movement. Tremors are a hallmark symptom of Parkinson's disease, typically starting in one hand and spreading to the other side of the body.

Essential Tremor

Essential tremor is another common cause of tremors and is often hereditary. It usually affects the hands, but can also occur in the head, voice, or other parts of the body.

Medications

Certain medications, such as some used to treat psychiatric disorders or asthma, can cause tremors as a side effect. These tremors may improve once the medication is adjusted or discontinued.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing the underlying cause of tremors may involve a thorough medical history, physical examination, and possibly imaging tests. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of the tremors, and may include medications, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgery.

Neurologists, specialists in movement disorders, are typically involved in the evaluation and management of tremors to help improve quality of life and reduce the impact of these involuntary movements on daily activities.