Tremor - arms or hands
For tremors caused by stress, try relaxation techniques like meditation, deep relaxation, or breathing exercises. For tremors of any cause, avoid caffeine and get enough sleep.
For tremors caused by a medication, consult with your doctor about stopping the drug, reducing the dosage, or switching medications. DO NOT change or stop medications on your own.
For tremors caused by alcohol abuse, seek treatment and support to help you avoid alcohol.
Severe tremors may interfere with your ability to perform daily activities. Assistance with these activities may be necessary. Precautions should be taken to avoid injury during activities such as walking or eating.
Call your doctor if:
Your doctor will perform a physical examination, including a detailed neurologic examination. The following medical history questions may help your doctor evaluate the cause of your tremors:
Once a cause of the tremor has been determined, the appropriate treatment for the disease will be prescribed.
For certain types of tremors, like essential tremor and familial tremor, medications such as beta-blockers, gabapentin, primidone, and others may be an option. If medication doesn't work, your doctor may even consider surgery. Botox injections, given in the hand, have been used to treat essential hand tremors.
Fahn S. Hypokinesia and Hyperkinesia. In: Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007: chap 16.