Doctor's Notes on Shaking Hands (Hand Tremors)
Hand tremors are non-intentional shaking movements of the hands. These may occur at rest or when one is trying to use or move the hands. Causes of hand tremors are varied, and numerous conditions can cause them. Possible causes include Parkinson disease, drugs or toxins including
- certain medications,
- infections including HIV,
- Huntington's disease,
- Lewy body dementia,
- vascular disease,
- brain tumors, and
- many other conditions that can affect the nervous system.
In some cases, tremors can arise without an identifiable cause.
Signs and symptoms of hand tremors vary depending on the reason for the tremors and the underlying disease that causes them. Possible associated symptoms include
- muscle spasm,
- pain,
- muscle stiffness,
- slowed movements,
- loss of dexterity,
- seizures, and
- muscle weakness.
Parkinson's Disease : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz

Parkinson's disease is only seen in people of advanced age.
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Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is progressive disease that erodes the sufferer's ability to move, maintian balance and control his or her muscles. Symptoms result from the erosion of certain nerve systems in the brain -- the deterioration worsens with age. -
Tremors
There are two main categories of tremors, 1) normal, and 2) abnormal. Abnormal tremors can be classified as resting, postural (action), intention (ataxic), and rubral tremor. Causes of tremors are very diverse to include other diseases or conditions, medications, and toxins. Some clinical conditions are associated with types of tremors (such as familial and essential tremor). Parkinson tremor is generally associated with Parkinson's disease. Treatment for tremors depends up on the cause. -
What Is Botulinum Toxin Used For?
Botulinum toxin is a drug produced by Clostridium botulinum, a gram-positive anaerobic bacterium. This is the same toxin that can also cause botulism in the digestive tract from ingestion of contaminated food or an infected wound. When used as a drug like Botox, the toxin, weakens or paralyzes certain muscles or blocks certain nerves for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.