Hand tremors can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'troubling' to 'generally fatal'. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.
Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose hand tremors, we could:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Hyperthyroidism | 94% | Confirm |
Parkinson's Disease | 29% | Unlikely |
Dehydration | 22% | Unlikely |
Anxiety | 4% | Ruled out |
Multiple Sclerosis | 2% | Ruled out |
Magnesium Need | 2% | Ruled out |
Hypoglycemia | 2% | Ruled out |
Stress | 1% | Ruled out |
Do your hands tremble or have a tremor?
Possible responses:
→ No / don't know→ Yes, but trembling stops while I am using my hands → Slight trembling, only when I try to use my hands → Obvious trembling, only when I try to use my hands → Constant and obvious trembling |
The main symptom of Parkinson's disease is a pronounced tremor affecting the extremities – notably the hands, chin or lips. The tremor is most evident at rest and disappears with movement and sleep.
Dehydration can cause a loss of electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, which are required for normal muscle control and nerve function. Without these electrolytes, muscle shaking or tremors can be experienced.
Early symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as hand tremors, are similar to those which occur as the result of experiencing a sudden and violent fear.
Early symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include fatigue, anorexia, irritability, insomnia, and muscle tremors or twitching.