Dr. Joon Faii Ong has dedicated his life to the study and treatment of tremors and associated conditions. In this article, Dr. Ong discusses different tremors that should not be ignored and what the patient and family should do when they see them.
Resting Tremors
Resting tremors are the most common types of tremors in the general population. They result from a low level of neurotransmitters which causes a poorly controlled firing of action potentials from nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
First Signs:
Loss of fine motor control in the hands. Shaking while at rest. Difficulty holding a glass or a cup steady
What to Do:
Simple lifestyle changes can be helpful with this type of tremor. Things like cutting down caffeine intake, sleeping well, and eating a balanced diet will help strengthen nerve cells and prevent tremors from occurring. Alternatively, some medications can be prescribed by a neurologist to reduce nerve cell firing throughout the body.
Intention Tremors
Intention tremors are seen when you try to make movements with your muscles. They result from an issue in processing commands from your brain or communication between nerves leading to overactive muscle contraction, which causes tremors.
First Signs:
Clumsiness on a particular side of the body. Difficulty understanding speech because speech is predominantly processed in one hemisphere of your brain, so problems with communication between the two sides can result.
What to Do:
A neurologist will help by assessing your condition and prescribing medications or physical therapy regimens focused on retraining your brain and rebuilding stronger synaptic connections throughout the body.
Spontaneous Tremors
Spontaneous tremors are not associated with any specific type of movement. They can appear out of nowhere for no apparent reason, which is why they are always a cause for concern when you see them in yourself or a loved one.
First Signs:
No obvious symptoms. Tremors can come and go without any pattern or warning signs.
What to Do:
Seeing a neurologist is the best course of action in this situation because they can help you manage your condition and provide insight into what lifestyle changes may benefit you.
Essential Tremors
Essential tremors are hereditary and passed down through families. Your grandfather, grandmother, and parents may have had this type of tremor too. They usually start appearing when you get into your 40s and 50s and progress slowly over time. The severity of these types of tremors can vary from person to person.
First Signs:
Slower tremors are usually found in the hands and arms. Tremors can be triggered by a specific action, such as closing your eyes tightly.
What to Do:
This is considered an incurable condition, but some medications can help prevent tremors from worsening over time. To manage the tremors, you can make lifestyle changes like eating well, exercising, and learning to stop the tremors by controlling your breathing.
Orthostatic Tremors
Orthostatic tremors result from low blood pressure causing nerve cells to fire off at a higher rate than they should be, causing shaking when you stand. Symptoms generally appear in your teens or 20s but can sometimes occur earlier or later, depending on each person’s physiology.
First Signs:
Shakiness when standing up. Feeling lightheaded or weak at your legs.
What to Do:
This type of tremor is generally not associated with any other medical conditions, so no specific treatment is required. However, you need to see a neurologist because they will be able to make sure your condition doesn’t progress into essential tremors.
