Hand tremors are involuntary shaking movements of the hands. There are three types of hand tremors, according to Medline Plus—resting, kinetic and postural tremors. Resting tremors occur when the hand is not moving. Kinetic tremors occur when the hand is moving and will usually stop when the hand is at rest. Postural tremors occur when the hand remains in the same position for an extended period of time. Hand tremors present as a symptom of a number of diseases.
Graves' Disease
Graves’ disease, which is the most common form of hyperthyroidism, occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce an increased amount of the hormone thyroxine. High levels of thyroxine cause a significant increase in the body’s metabolism. An increased metabolism can cause many symptoms including a fine tremor of the hands and fingers, rapid or irregular heartbeat, increased perspiration, weight loss, fatigue, irritability and difficulty sleeping, according to Mayo Clinic. Treatment of Graves’ disease is aimed at reducing the amount of thyroxine or blocking its action on other cells. Treatment includes beta-blockers, anti-thyroid medications and radioactive iodine treatment, which destroys overactive thyroid cells. In severe cases, surgery to remove the thyroid gland may be an option.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which the nerve cells responsible for making the neurotransmitter dopamine die or do not function properly. Dopamine is responsible for muscle movement. When dopamine is missing, the muscles do not work correctly.
The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown. The first symptom of damage to these nerve cells is body tremors. These tremors occur in the hands, arms, legs and lower jaw. The tremors are more visible when the body is at rest and get increasingly worse over time, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include depression, difficulty walking, nightmares and problems with daily tasks, such as writing and using utensils. Medications are available to control symptoms, but cannot treat the disease.
Neurosyphilis
Neurosyphilis is an infection of the brain or spinal cord that is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. The condition occurs in those who have had untreated syphilis for a period of 10 to 20 years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Hand tremors are just one of the many symptoms of neurosyphilis. Other symptoms include confusion, abnormal walk, loss of muscle function, decrease in mental clarity, stiffness, weakness and numbness of the lower extremities. Treatment of neurosyphilis consists of a series of penicillin, either by intravenous injection or oral medication combined with muscle injections.
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