Parkinson’s tremors are a distinctive resting tremor associated with Parkinson’s disease, caused by damage to dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Diagnosis requires other symptoms, and treatments are available, including medication and physical therapy. Hand tremors may have other causes and require evaluation.
Parkinson’s tremors are a form of resting tremor associated with Parkinson’s disease. The tremor has a very distinctive appearance, making it easy to identify. If a patient appears to have Parkinson’s tremors, a doctor will perform an evaluation to look for other diagnostic signs. Treatments are available for the management of Parkinson’s disease, and early treatment can be very beneficial for patients.
This degenerative neurological disease causes damage to cells in the brain responsible for producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates movement. Tremors are one of the hallmarks of Parkinson’s. Like other tremors at rest, Parkinson’s tremors occur when the affected limb is still and resolve when the patient moves.
The classic Parkinson’s tremor is known as a “pill-rolling tremor” because it feels like a patient is rolling a pill between his forefinger and thumb. It is very rhythmic and involves constant back and forth movement. Parkinson’s tremors can spread to the arm and can also appear in the feet and legs. Sometimes only one side of the body is involved. More rarely, tremors appear in the face or jaw and may feel like constant throbbing or twitching.
To be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a patient must have several other symptoms in addition to Parkinson’s tremors. These include: postural instability, difficulty standing upright or walking; rigidity; and bradykinesia, a slowing of the patient’s movements. Patients with Parkinson’s may develop a telltale slow, shuffling gait as they have difficulty walking and controlling leg movements.
The drugs can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease and can help patients manage Parkinson’s tremors. There are also medications available specifically for managing tremors if they become extremely destructive. Some patients find that physical therapy helps them deal with their tremors and can develop coping techniques such as gentle exercises to do when Parkinson’s tremors strike. Gentle, focused movement will resolve resting tremors and can help strengthen muscles and improve motor skills.
While hand tremors are often thought to be a result of Parkinson’s disease, many other conditions can cause resting tremors of the hands and fingers. A neurologist will need to conduct a thorough evaluation to learn more about why a patient is experiencing hand tremors. The evaluation can reveal that the condition is treatable and can also provide insight into how best to manage the condition. People with tremors should seek treatment, as there may be options available.
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