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Essential Tremor
Essential tremor is a common cause of shaking, usually of the hands, that appears with movement such as writing or holding a cup. It is different from a Parkinson tremor and is often mild.
Causes & risk factors
- Often runs in families
- Cause not fully understood
- More common with older age
- Made worse by stress, caffeine or tiredness
Common symptoms
- Shaking of the hands during activity
- Trembling voice
- Head nodding or shaking
- Worse with stress or caffeine
- Improves with rest
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis (history and exam)
- Thyroid function
- Assessment to exclude Parkinson’s
Treatment & management
- No treatment needed if mild and not bothersome
- Medicines to reduce tremor if it affects daily life
- Cutting down on caffeine and managing stress
- Occupational therapy aids for eating and writing
- Procedures such as deep brain stimulation in severe cases
When to see a doctor urgently
- Tremor that interferes with eating, writing or work
- A tremor present at rest, with stiffness or slow movement — get assessed
- Sudden onset or rapidly worsening tremor
- Tremor with weakness, headache or other new symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Is essential tremor the same as Parkinson’s?
No. Essential tremor usually appears with movement and often affects both hands, while a Parkinson tremor is most noticeable at rest and comes with slowness and stiffness. A doctor can tell them apart.
Will it get worse?
It can slowly progress over years, but many people stay mild. Effective treatments are available if it starts to interfere with daily life.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.