Hand tremor Health Article

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will perform a physical examination, including a detailed neurologic examination. The following medical history questions may help your doctor evaluate the cause of your tremors:

• Is your tremor regular or irregular?
• Does it occur with activity, at rest, or when you have been holding your hand (or other body part) in a particular position for a long time?
• Are the movements small (fine) or large (coarse)?
• Are both hands affected? To the same degree on both sides?
• Are other body parts affected, including your voice or head?
• Does the tremor impair your ability to use your hands or other body parts?
• Does emotional stress or excitement make it worse?
• Does drinking an alcoholic beverage make the tremor better or worse?
• Do you have any other symptoms?

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

• Blood tests such as CBC, blood differential, thyroid function tests, and glucose test
• Urine tests
• Head CT scan
• MRI of the head
• EMG or nerve conduction studies

Once a cause of the tremor has been determined, the appropriate treatment for the disease will be prescribed.

References

Louis ED. Essential tremor. Lancet Neurol. 2005; 4(2): 100-110.

Louis ED, Ford B, Frucht S, Rabinowitz D, Ottman R. Evidence for familial aggregation of tremor in normal individuals. Neurology. 2001; 57(1): 110-114.