12 Common Causes of Hand Tremors and How to Diagnose Them

Hand tremors can be a frustrating and sometimes embarrassing problem to deal with. They can make simple tasks like eating, writing, or holding objects difficult. If you are experiencing hand tremors, it's important to understand the possible causes and how they can be diagnosed.

There are many different factors that can contribute to hand tremors, ranging from benign to more serious conditions. Here are 12 common causes of hand tremors and how they can be diagnosed:

  1. Essential Tremor
  2. Essential tremor is the most common cause of hand tremors. It is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary shaking, usually in the hands but sometimes in other parts of the body as well. Essential tremor tends to worsen with movement and can be triggered by stress or caffeine.

  3. Parkinson's Disease
  4. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. Hand tremors are a common symptom of Parkinson's disease, along with other motor symptoms such as stiffness and slowness of movement.

  5. Multiple Sclerosis
  6. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Hand tremors can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis, along with other neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness and coordination problems.

  7. Hyperthyroidism
  8. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Hand tremors can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism, along with other symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.

  9. Medication Side Effects
  10. Some medications can cause hand tremors as a side effect. Common culprits include asthma medications, antidepressants, and certain drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders.

  11. Alcohol Withdrawal
  12. Hand tremors can be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal, especially in individuals who have been heavy drinkers for a long period of time. Alcohol withdrawal tremors usually occur within 24-48 hours of stopping drinking and can be accompanied by other withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and sweating.

  13. Low Blood Sugar
  14. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause hand tremors as well as other symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, and confusion. It is important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly to prevent hypoglycemia.

  15. Stroke
  16. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, causing brain damage. Hand tremors can be a symptom of a stroke, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness or numbness on one side of the body.

  17. Brain Tumor
  18. Hand tremors can be a symptom of a brain tumor, especially if they are accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or changes in vision or speech.

  19. Wilson's Disease
  20. Wilson's disease is a rare genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the body. Hand tremors can be a symptom of Wilson's disease, along with other symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and cognitive problems.

  21. Essential Tremor
  22. Essential tremor is the most common cause of hand tremors. It is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary shaking, usually in the hands but sometimes in other parts of the body as well. Essential tremor tends to worsen with movement and can be triggered by stress or caffeine.

  23. Parkinson's Disease
  24. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. Hand tremors are a common symptom of Parkinson's disease, along with other motor symptoms such as stiffness and slowness of movement.