Tremor is a common type of movement disorder characterized by muscle contractions that cause rhythmic shaking in one or more parts of the body. It most frequently affects the hands but can also present in the arms, head, voice, legs, and trunk, thus interfering with activities of daily living or causing social embarrassment. Essential tremor (ET) is the most common form of tremor, affecting about five percent of people over the age of 60 years. Although ET is more common in the elderly and is often mistakenly referred to as “senile tremor,” it can start at any age. In contrast to rest tremor, which is most frequently secondary to Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor may decrease with voluntary activity (e.g., raising an arm) and increase with mental activity (e.g., asking a patient to do math).

To manage hand tremor, it is suggested to hold your elbows close to your body when using your hands. For head tremor, turning your head to the side can help. Utilizing salon services for manicures and eyebrow care, resting elbows on a table when applying makeup, and adopting low-maintenance hairstyles can also reduce the impact of tremors on daily tasks. If you have diabetes, tremor can be a symptom of low blood sugar levels. Additionally, tremor can be caused by an excess of certain metals in your body, such as copper, or exposure to mercury or arsenic. Essential tremor is a permanent condition, and the degree of tremor typically worsens with age.

For more detailed information and management tips, visit the Stanford Medicine 25, Harvard Health, Harvard Health, Ohio State Movement Disorders, Columbia Neurology, Harvard Health, and Baylor Medicine.