Shaky Hands

What are shaky hands?

Shaky hands are a common symptom that can even occur in healthy people. Although there are many causes of shaky hands, in some people there is no known cause. The most common cause is an essential tremor, which often is inherited and considered benign. Shaky hands may occur with conditions that affect only the hands or with conditions that affect the other parts of the body, such as generalized diseases of the neuromuscular system or central nervous system. Diseases that commonly cause shaky hands include Parkinson’s disease, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), and multiple sclerosis.

Shaky hands may occur after ingesting or withdrawing from certain drugs or substances, such as alcohol and caffeine. Shaky hands can also result from emotions stimulated by the nervous system, such as anxiety, anger or fear, and from the aging process and its effects on the nervous system. Low blood sugar is also a common cause of this symptom.

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you experience sudden shaking of the hands accompanied by numbness or weakness of the arm or fingers on one side of your body; a change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness; or the worst headache of your life, as these can be signs of stroke.

Seek prompt medical care if your shaky hands are persistent or cause you concern.