My hands have shaken or trembled for years. For instance, I used to be able to solder with confidence. Then I had to concentrate and find workarounds because sometimes the soldering pencil would not stay in exactly the position it needed to be, knocking the wires loose. It had gotten worse over the last couple of years and my coping mechanisms were becoming inadequate. Often when I pressed the shutter button my my camera, I would get two pictures instead of one because my finger jerked down-up-down. Sometimes I would spill liquid when pouring from a measuring cup in the kitchen. I was even having trouble controlling a computer mouse.
I had procrastinated about going to the doctor. I had been worrying that this was some sort of neurological big deal, that either there would be no treatment or the treatment would come with life-changing side effects like not being able to drive or balance issues that would force me to stop bicycle riding.
It turns out that essential tremor is often easily treatable and with no side effects. Once I finally got over my fears and went to the doctor, the visit was quick. She did a couple of checks to rule out Parkinson’s disease and then prescribed a very low dose of the anti-seizure medicine primidone. I took the first dose before bed that night. When I woke up the next morning, my hands were steady. Magic and life-changing!
If your hands tremble, go see your doctor. It may very well be treatable.
For more info, I recommend Mayo Clinic’s article Essential Tremor.
Here are a couple of key sections from that article:
Essential Tremor Symptoms
- Begin gradually, and usually are more noticeable on one side of the body.
- Worsen with movement.
- Usually occur in the hands first, affecting one hand or both hands.
- Can include a “yes-yes” or “no-no” motion of the head.
- May be aggravated by emotional stress, fatigue, caffeine or temperature extremes.
Essential tremor vs. Parkinson’s disease
Many people associate tremors with Parkinson’s disease, but the two conditions differ in key ways:
- Timing of tremors. Essential tremor of the hands usually occurs when using the hands. Tremors from Parkinson’s disease are most noticeable when the hands are at the sides of the body or resting in the lap.
- Associated conditions. Essential tremor doesn’t cause other health problems, but Parkinson’s disease is associated with stooped posture, slow movement and dragging the feet when walking. However, people with essential tremor sometimes develop other neurological signs and symptoms, such as an unsteady walk.
- Parts of the body affected. Essential tremor mainly involves the hands, head and voice. Parkinson’s disease tremors usually start in the hands, and can affect the legs, chin and other parts of the body.
Was so concerned when I started reading. Never having heard of essential tremor, leaned much. Thank you for sharing. Main thing, you are getting it under control. Amazing that a low dose of an anti-seizure medication is helping. Thank goodness for that. Art, just stay well. May 2025 bring good health.
Thanks for the article. So glad you have found a solution. Have a Great 2025
Good news, thanks!
So glad you visited the doctor! Men seem to delay that more than women, I think. So glad you have been helped for the better. ❤️
Sometimes this is a scary read. Thanks for shining a light on a common problem for us seniors.