Tremor - drug-induced
The tremors may affect the hands, arms, head, or eyelids. The tremors rarely affect the lower body and may not affect body sides of the body equally.
The shaking usually involves 6 to 10 movements per second.
The tremors may be:
They can:
Other symptoms may include:
Your doctor can make the diagnosis by performing a physical exam and asking questions about your medical and personal history, especially your medication use.
A physical exam will show shaking with movement. There are usually no problems with coordination or mental function.
Other tests are usually not needed. However, further tests may be done to rule out other reasons for the tremors. Tremors that occur when the muscles are relaxed or that affect the legs or coordination may be a sign of another condition, such as Parkinson's disease. Other causes of tremors may include:
Blood tests and imaging studies (such as a CT scan of the head, brain MRI, and x-rays) are usually normal.
Jankovic J. Movement disorders. In: Goetz, CG, eds. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 34.
Lang A. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 434.