Tremors, or involuntary shaking of the body, can be concerning and often lead to questions about their underlying causes. Among the various types, Parkinsonian tremor and Essential tremor are notable.

Parkinsonian tremor is a resting tremor often associated with Parkinson’s disease, characterized by its “pill-rolling” motion. This type of tremor typically involves the distal muscles and may decrease with voluntary movements like raising an arm, but can increase with mental activities, such as performing mathematical calculations.

On the other hand, Essential tremor, a benign condition, causes involuntary shaking in different body parts including the hands, head, and voice box. Unlike Parkinsonian tremor, Essential tremor is an action tremor, meaning the involuntary shaking intensifies during movement and subsides at rest. Essential tremor (ET) is a brain condition that leads to uncontrollable shaking of various body parts. Initially mild, ET can progress over time, and is the most common among more than 20 types of tremor.

It’s important to distinguish between Essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease, as they have different characteristics and implications. Essential tremor usually occurs during the use of hands, whereas Parkinson’s disease tremors primarily occur at rest. Moreover, stress, fatigue, hunger, and extreme tension can aggravate Essential tremor.

Diagnosing tremors correctly is crucial, as they can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions. Factors such as medications, excess caffeine intake, muscle fatigue, stress, or medical conditions like hyperthyroidism can also contribute to hand tremors.

For more detailed information on the causes and management of hand tremors, visit Harvard Health, Stanford Medicine 25, Harvard Health, University of Utah Health, Harvard Health, Harvard Health, University of Rochester Medical Center, and McGovern Medical School.