Tremors are shaking-like movements of one or more body parts. Although it looks mild, tremors cannot be taken lightly because they can be a sign of a serious illness. Know what causes tremors, so that this condition can be anticipated and treated appropriately.
Tremors usually occur due to disturbances in the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. This condition can be experienced by anyone and can occur repeatedly. However, tremors that repeat with intensity quite often, you need to be aware of. This is because tremors can be a symptom of certain health problems.
Causes of Tremor
It has been mentioned earlier that tremors can occur due to problems in the area of the brain that regulates the movement of the body's muscles. In addition, tremors can also be caused by certain conditions, such as:
- stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- brain injury
- Liver or kidney failure
- Diseases related to nerve function, such as Parkinson's disease
- Hyperthyroid
- Hypoglycemia
Some types of drugs used in the long term can also cause this condition. These drugs, including amphetamines, corticosteroids, and drugs for psychiatric disorders. Alcohol abuse, excessive caffeine consumption, and mercury poisoning can also cause tremors.
Several Types of Tremor
The following are some types of tremors which are classified based on their symptoms and causes:
1. Parkinson's Tremor
As the name implies, this type of tremor occurs in people with Parkinson's disease and generally affects those aged 60 years and over. Parkinson's tremors usually start in one leg or certain body part and will spread to other parts of the body.
2. Essential tremor
Essential tremor is the most common type of tremor. This type of tremor has a relatively slow development and can take years to eventually spread to other parts of the body.
Previously, essential tremor was thought to be unrelated to any disease or condition. However, several recent studies suggest that this tremor is associated with cerebellar degeneration, which is a decrease in the function of the part of the brain that controls movement.
Symptoms of essential tremor can be mild to severe, depending on which part of the body is affected. Symptoms include shaking hands during activity, voice shaking when speaking, and difficulty walking.
These symptoms can get worse when accompanied by stress, fatigue, hunger, excessive caffeine consumption, smoking habits, and temperature extremes.
3. Cerebellar tremor
This type of tremor occurs due to damage to the cerebellum or cerebellum. Such damage can be caused by stroke, tumor, and disease, for example multiple sclerosis. In addition, cerebellar tremor can also be caused by chronic dependence on alcohol and long-term use of certain drugs.
4. Dystonic tremor
Dystonic tremor or dystonia is a movement disorder when muscle contractions occur continuously, causing rotating and repetitive movements. In patients with dystonia, tremors can improve with complete rest.
5. Orthostatic tremor
Orthostatic tremor occurs quickly and is characterized by muscle contractions after standing and subsides when the sufferer sits up or starts walking. Many consider this condition a balance disorder.
6. Physiological tremor
Physiological tremor is triggered by the body's reaction to the effect of taking certain drugs. This type of tremor is also a symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Sometimes, low blood sugar and an overactive thyroid gland can also cause this disorder.
7. Psychogenic tremor
This type of tremor is influenced by psychological conditions. Psychogenic tremors can appear or disappear suddenly and vary in location.
People who experience this type of tremor generally have mental disorders, such as conversion disorder, which is a condition when a person experiences a physical disorder, but no underlying medical disorder is found.
Tremor Treatment
Treatment of tremors depends on the underlying cause. For example, tremors due to hyperthyroidism will improve or even disappear after the sufferer undergoes treatment for his thyroid.
The following are several options for tremor treatment methods:
Drugs
There are several types of drugs used to treat tremors, including:
- Beta blockers, such as propranolol, atenolol, and metoprolol
- Anticonvulsants, such as primidone and gabapentin, given when beta blockers are not effective in treating tremors
- Benzodiazepines
- Parkinson's drugs, such as levodopa and carbidopa
- Botox injections
Focused ultrasound therapy
This treatment is carried out using ultrasound waves guided by MRI imaging results. The goal is to make lesions in areas of the brain that are thought to be the cause of tremors.
This method is intended for patients with essential tremor who do not respond to medication.
Operation
When the patient's condition does not improve after drug therapy or has severe tremors, the doctor will recommend surgery, such as brain stimulation therapy (DBS) or thalamotomy.
If you experience tremors suddenly or your tremors are getting worse and occur more frequently, consult a doctor so that an examination and treatment can be carried out according to the cause.