DIAGNOSIS
Tremors are sometimes considered normal. When you are under a lot of stress or in a state of anxiety or fear, tremors might occur. After the feeling subsides, the tremor also stops. Tremors are normally part of medical disorders that directly affect the brain, nervous system, or muscles in the body.
Your doctor may rule out a neurological exam. This examination will check how your nervous system functions. This will measure your:
- Ability to feel a touch
- Tendon reflexes
- Coordination
- Muscle strength
- Muscle tone
- Posture
During an examination, you will need to:
- Touch your finger to your nose
- Draw a spiral
- Perform exercisesor other tasks
Your specialist may also order an electromyogram, or what we call EMG. This kind of test measures involuntary muscle activity and how your muscle responds to nerve stimulation.
TREATMENT
If you are getting treatment for the underlying condition that is causing the tremor, that treatment may be enough to cure it. Treatments for tremors include:
Medications
Various medications are normally used to treat the tremor itself. Your doctor may suggest them to you. Medications may include the following:
- Beta-blockersare commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease. However, they have been shown to reduce tremors in some people
- Tranquilizers, likealprazolam (Xanax), may help relieve tremors that are caused by anxiety
- Anti-seizure drugsare sometimes given to people who can’t take beta-blockers or have tremors that are not cured by beta-blocker medications
- Botox injections
- Physical therapy
- Brain stimulation surgery