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Body tremors are uncontrollable muscle contractions that can affect any part of the body. They can be caused by various factors and are classified into four main types. Treatment depends on the root cause and can range from eliminating triggers to surgery. They are more likely to occur in individuals over 50 and can cause difficulty with fine motor movements. A visit to the hospital is necessary for diagnosis and treatment.
A body tremor is an uncontrollable muscle contraction that causes tremors or twitching. Body tremors can affect an isolated part of the body or can sometimes spread to various parts of the body. The condition can be caused by a number of underlying factors, from a simple lack of sleep to a more serious medical disorder such as Parkinson’s disease.
The involuntary back and forth movement associated with body tremors is known as rocking. The onset and duration of these tremors can vary, although the movement is usually rhythmic in nature. Although the hands are the most common source of wobbling, nearly any part of the body can be affected, including the face, legs, head, and even the vocal cords.
The classification of body tremors exists in four main types, with several subtypes. Each classification is made according to when the muscle contractions are most severe. For example, intention tremors are so named because they are more severe when the affected individual is engaged in any type of purposeful movement. These types of tremors produce slow, expansive oscillations. They are caused by damage to the cerebellum of the brain from strokes, tumors or degenerative disorders, and hence are also known as cerebellar tremors.
Rest tremors are those contractions that are worst when the body is at rest. The major subtype of resting tremors is Parkinsonian tremor. It is so named because this contraction frequently signals the development of Parkinson’s disease. Caused by brain damage, Parkinsonian tremor often concentrates in one hand or limb and eventually moves to the other side of the body. Tremors resulting from drug use also typically manifest as rest tremors.
A third type of body tremors occur when parts of the body are tense and contracted. Contraction tremors are generated by the body’s response to certain stimuli, and therefore consist mainly of physiological tremors. Stress, fever, exhaustion, alcohol withdrawal, and starvation can cause body tremors, and as such, treating the root cause usually eliminates the condition. Physiological tremors may not be visible even to the casual observer.
The last type of body tremors – postural tremors – occur when an individual is in a postural position against gravity, such as when one arm is raised. Postural tremors consist of some physiologic tremors and a subtype called essential tremors. Mostly, essential tremors have many of the same causes and characteristics as physiological tremors. Essential tremors have some important variations, including their initial mildness, their progression in severity over time, their attacks on middle-aged individuals, their concentration on one side of the body in the head or hands, and their possible heritability . Essential tremors are also the most common type of tremor.
The overall number of body tremor subclassifications is approximately 20. Another possible affliction is dystonic tremor, characterized by twisting and repetitive movements associated with movement disorder dystonia. Another condition is recognizable by its cramping and shaking effect on the legs: orthostatic tremor. Psychiatric disorders can also lead to a psychogenic tremor, which has a rapid and sudden onset and disappearance. When an individual’s midbrain is injured, rubral tremors may occur, producing slow and persistent involuntary movements.
Despite the various types, body tremors have several things in common. For one, they are more likely to occur in individuals who are over the age of 50. However, there are no significant differences between the number of males and females who can develop the condition. Some side effects are also frequently associated with body tremors, particularly a shaky voice and difficulty with fine motor movements such as writing or holding utensils.
A visit to the hospital can best determine the type, cause, and possible treatment for body tremors. Reflex and sensory tests may be performed and a detailed family history will likely be undertaken. Your doctor may also perform neurological tests to determine if an underlying brain injury or disorder can be uncovered. Treatment depends on the root cause and can be as simple as eliminating the triggers. In severe cases, the recommended course of action may involve a more complex procedure such as surgery.
