Tremor

What is a tremor?

A tremor is an involuntary shaking movement that can affect one or more parts of your body due to uncontrollable muscle contractions. The muscle contractions most often begin in your hands but can progress into your arms, head, legs, and even your vocal cords.

There are three types of tremors:

Essential tremors

Essential tremors are the most common type. They typically affect your hands, head, tongue, legs, and trunk.

Parkinsonian tremors

Parkinsonian tremors generally affect the hands, face, and legs due to Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder.

Dystonic tremors

Dystonic tremors result from dystonia, a movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions. These tremors can cause you to make repetitive, twisting motions that can affect any muscle in your body.

What causes tremors?

Dysfunction or injuries in the part of your brain that controls your muscles can lead to tremors. Other underlying conditions or environmental factors can increase your risk for tremors, such as:

• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney or liver failure
• Neurological disorders
• Excess alcohol use
• Certain medications
• Anxiety or panic disorder

In some people, the cause of tremors is unknown.

How are tremors diagnosed?

To understand the root cause of your tremors, the providers at South Valley Neurology take time to review your medical history and physically examine the muscles that are prone to shaking.

During a neurological test, your physician evaluates your speech, balance, and other neurological functions. In some cases, imaging tests like an MRI can review brain disorders that may be causing your tremors.

An electromyogram is another type of test that measures involuntary movements in your muscles and how your muscles respond to stimulation of your nerves.

How are tremors treated?

For most tremor types, there’s no cure. The team at South Valley Neurology works closely with you to control your tremors and improve your quality of life.

You may be a candidate for medications, including prescription Botox®, that can temporarily relax your muscles and ease the severity of your tremors.

For severe tremors that aren’t treatable with medications, deep brain stimulation surgery may be necessary. This procedure involves implanting a device into your body that delivers electrical signals to the areas of your brain responsible for muscle movements.

The South Valley Neurology team continues to monitor your condition and may recommend therapy to improve your speech, movements, and strength.

If you have concerns about tremors and need a diagnostic evaluation, call South Valley Neurology to request an appointment today.