A hand tremor is an involuntary shaking of the hands that can occur as a result of an underlying medical ailment. It can also result from the discontinuation of a certain drug. MedlinePlus says that hand tremors can be resting, kinetic or postural. Resting tremors occur when the hand is at rest, and kinetic tremors occur when the hand is moving. Sometimes, positioning the hand in a certain way can lead to hand tremors. Fortunately, the conditions that cause hand tremors can be managed.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism refers to a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. Without alcohol, people may develop such withdrawal symptoms as resting hand tremors, nausea, shaking and sweating.
The Mayo Clinic says that risk factors for being alcoholic include drinking by age 16, being genetically predisposed and being male. Also, having a family history of alcoholism and being depressed or anxious can also lead to alcoholism.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a disease that affects the brain. It is associated with such symptoms as resting hand tremors, constipation, trouble swallowing, drooling and stiff muscles. Other Parkinson's symptoms include a monotone voice, depression, fainting, memory loss, anxiety and fainting.
Parkinson's disease is due to damage to the brain nerves that produce dopamine, a chemical needed for muscle movement.
Neurosyphillis
MedlinePlus says that neurosyphillis is an infection of the spinal cord and brain. Specific symptoms of neurosyphillis include resting and postural hand tremors, confusion, blindness, a stiff neck and trouble seeing. Other symptoms include seizures, weakness, trouble walking and dementia. Depression, headache, blindness and trouble walking are other signs of neurosyphillis.
The Treponema pallidum bacteria causes syphillis.
