Tremor

A trembling or shaking of the body or any of its parts. It may be induced by medication.


Rhythmic, quivering movements from involuntary alternating contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscles; tremor may occur as a result of age (senile tremor) or disease (e.g., Parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis, and many degenerative diseases of the nervous system); some forms are hereditary.


Involuntary shaking of a body part due to pathological states such as Parkinson’s disease or side effects of medications; some subtypes include intention, coarse, fine, and resting, often detected in the hands and upper body.


Involuntary, rhythmic muscle movement caused by alternate contraction and relaxation of the muscles. Tremor is the most common involuntary movement disorder. In many cases, it is a symptom of an underlying disease such as Parkinson disease. Other causes of tremor include multiple sclerosis, stroke, head injury, alcohol or drugs, the effects of aging, and emotional disorders.


A rhythmical alternating movement that may affect any part of the body. The physiological tremor is a feature of the normal mechanism for maintaining posture. It may be more apparent in states of fatigue or anxiety. Essential tremor is slower and particularly affects the hands. It can be embarrassing and inconvenient but it is not accompanied by any other symptoms. A similar tremor may also occur in several members of one family or in elderly people. Tremor is a prominent symptom of parkinsonism. An intention tremor occurs when a patient with disease of the cerebellum tries to touch an object. The closer the object is approached the wilder become the movements.


A fine involuntary movement. Tremors may be seen in projecting parts like the hands, head and tongue, or they may involve muscles. Coarse tremors, which prevent a person from drinking a glass of water without spilling it, are found in multiple sclerosis (MS) and in chorea; somewhat finer tremors, which produce trembling of the hands or tongue when they are extended, are caused by alcoholism and other forms of poisoning, by parkinsonism, and by the weakness which follows some acute disease or characterizes old age. A fine tremor of the outstretched fingers is a characteristic of thyrotoxicosis; very fine tremors, visible in the muscles of face or limbs and known as fibrillary tremors, are present in general paralysis of the insane, and in progressive muscular atrophy or wasting palsy. Tremors may occur at rest and disappear on movement as in Parkinsonism, or they may occur only on movement (intention tremors) as in cerebellar disease.


A quivering, especially a continuous quivering of a convulsive nature.


An unintentional, rhythmic, back-and-forth motion occurring within the muscles of specific body areas; frequently impacted regions encompass the hands, feet, jaw, tongue, or head. Tremor arises from swift shifts between muscle contraction and relaxation. Most individuals encounter sporadic tremors, which stem from heightened release of the hormone adrenaline (epinephrine). A mild, enduring tremor is prevalent among older individuals.


Essential tremor, a hereditary form, entails a gentle to moderate tremor (approximately six to ten movements per second), which can experience temporary alleviation through modest alcohol intake or the use of beta-blocker medications.


A pronounced tremor (around four to five movements per second) is evident while at rest, but its intensity diminishes during movement. This frequently indicates the presence of Parkinson’s disease, a movement disorder. An intention tremor, characterized by worsening when the affected part is in motion, can serve as an indicator of cerebellar ataxia.


Tremor can also arise due to multiple sclerosis, Wilson’s disease, mercury poisoning, thyrotoxicosis, or hepatic encephalopathy. Additionally, it can be triggered by various drugs like amphetamines and caffeine, as well as during the withdrawal from substances such as alcohol.


Unintentional trembling or shaking.


 

 

 


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