A tremor is an involuntary muscle contraction resulting in a lack of control in different areas of the body, due to an altered neuronal activation in the brain region that controls movement.
These uncontrolled movements or shaking can often be a result of Parkinson’s disease. Typically, a Parkinsonian tremor will affect a hand or may be experienced only in one limb or one side of the body, while at rest.
Most tremors are associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease or a stroke.
Medical professionals have identified over 20 types of tremors with the most common being, essential, dystonic and Parkinsonian. They have placed them into two main categories, resting tremors and active tremors.
Parkinsonian Tremor
The involuntary shaking is usually the first symptom people notice when they have Parkinson’s. It is typically rhythmical and occurs when they are at rest. It generally occurs in the hands. The movement can look like a person is rolling a small object in the palm of their hand.
These type tremors can also affect other areas like, face, lips, jaw, mouth, tongue, legs and chin. They commonly begin on one side of the body but can progress to include both sides.
Parkinsonian tremors may also experience action induced tremors that only show up when a person is using that part of their body. Like in lifting their arm to scratch them self or holding up an object. They name these postural tremors.
Evidence suggests that tremors occur in approximately 70% of Parkinson’s disease. The incidence goes up with age. Also, a 2021 study shows that 47-90% of the cases are motor tremors, and 76-100% results can be resting tremors.
Parkinsonian tremors can be confused with other types of tremors, depending upon what other symptoms a person may be experiencing. It is advisable to get a thorough exam by a physician to rule out other tremor types and get an accurate diagnosis.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke lists some of the most common tremors:
Essential tremor (benign familial tremor)
Essential tremors generally tend to shake more rapidly than a Parkinsonian tremor and are more common. They can occur on both sides of the body while in action and typically have a family history.
Cerebellar tremor
This type of tremor is a result of damage to the cerebellum and the affects are seen at the end of an arm or leg movement. Such as picking up a pencil or typing on a keyboard.
Dystonia tremor
This tremor characteristics are very strong muscle spasms caused by a condition called dystonia. This type tremor causes involuntary jerky movements and abnormal posture.
Orthostatic tremor
This rare type of tremor can occur as part of other type of tremor disorders. It usually is harder to detect and is a fast twitched muscle contraction in the legs while standing.
Psychogenic tremor
This type of stress induced tremor can happen quickly, affecting all areas of the body. It’s symptoms intensify during times of stress and can even disappear temporarily when one is distracted.
Physiologic tremors
This type of tremor occurs when a persons body is lifting something heavy or while controlling and maintaining an awkward position for long periods of time. Most medical experts don’t consider physiologic tremors to be serious or even a medical condition. It involves small very fine shaking of the fingers and hands while tension is placed on them.
Causes
The medical community agree that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a vital role in the causation of Parkinsonian tremors. There is evidence showing that people first start noticing Parkinsonian tremors only after losing 60-80% of their brain derived dopamine production.
People with Parkinson’s produce less dopamine than normal healthy population. Dopamine plays an important role in the part of the body that deals with movement and coordination. Resulting in more stiff and rigid movements that are labored and slow.
Other causes of tremors include:
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alcohol
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anxiety
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brain damage from TBI or disease
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mercury poisoning
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kidney or liver disease
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thyroid (overactivity)
Tremor Management
Management and treatment of Parkinson’s or other type tremors are really a matter of lifestyle changes.
Treatments include: medication such as levodopa, a precursor to the neurotransmitter, dopamine. This is designed to stimulate dopamine production within the brain. Which could result in greater movement control and tremor reduction.
Stress reduction
Stress and anxiety has shown to make tremors worse. The use of neurofeedback therapy, meditation, exercise, sleep and deep breathing exercise has been shown to help manage stress.
Deep brain stimulation
This is a surgical invasive procedure that is sometimes recommended when medication doesn’t work. It involves placing electrodes that can internally control tremor activity in a pain free way.
Diet
Ingest foods that have been shown to help feed the brain, like fresh salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, blueberries, blackberries, avocados, nuts , seeds and other omega-3 food sources are important for dopamine production.
Parkinsonian tremors have different characteristics than other tremors mentioned. Just because one may experience tremors does not mean they have Parkinson’s disease. It is vital to get a complete examination by a doctor as soon as symptoms arise to ensure an accurate diagnosis so that early treatment can follow.
-A Balanced Brain is a Controlled Brain-