Types of Tremor

Types of Tremor

Tremors are physical shakes, caused by psychological and neurological issues.

They are often felt in the hands and arms, but can also appear in head, face and legs.

If you are experiencing tremors, it is important to speak with your GP and neurologist, to check for potential biological causes.

For psychological help with tremors, please book a free discover call with our specialist.

Different Types of Tremors

Different types of tremors a person might experience include:

1) Essential Tremor (ET)

Also known as benign tremor, familial tremor, or idiopathic tremor, this is the most common movement disorder.

It typically affects the hands but can also involve the head, voice, and other areas.

2) Parkinsonian Tremor

Associated with Parkinson's disease, this tremor is most evident at rest (resting tremor) but can also occur with action.

It usually starts in one hand but can spread to the other side or involve the legs, chin, or lips.

3) Dystonic Tremor

This tremor occurs in conjunction with dystonia, a disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions causing repetitive movements or abnormal postures.

The tremor might be present in the affected dystonic muscles.

4) Cerebellar Tremor

Resulting from damage to the cerebellum, this tremor is often seen during intentional movements (intention tremor) and can be quite disabling as it interferes with coordinated movement.

5) Physiological Tremor

This is a very fine, rapid tremor that everyone experiences to some degree.

It can become more pronounced with stress, fatigue, or certain stimulants like caffeine or medications.

6) Orthostatic Tremor

A rare condition where the tremor occurs when standing still, often leading to a sensation of unsteadiness or feeling like one must keep moving their legs to maintain balance.

7) Enhanced Physiological Tremor

An exaggerated form of physiological tremor that might occur due to anxiety, fatigue, medications, alcohol withdrawal, or other metabolic disturbances.

8) Neuropathic Tremor

Tremor resulting from peripheral neuropathy, where the damage is in the nerves, leading to a tremor in the affected limbs.

9) Psychogenic Tremor

Sometimes referred to as functional tremor, this type can vary greatly in appearance and might be influenced by suggestion, distraction, or emotional states.

10) Rubral Tremor aka Holmes' Tremor

A combination of resting, postural, and intention tremors, typically resulting from lesions in the midbrain or thalamus, often due to stroke, trauma, or multiple sclerosis.

11) Palatal Tremor aka Palatal Myoclonus

Involves rhythmic movements of the soft palate, but can extend to other muscles, sometimes producing a clicking sound when the palate hits the back of the throat.

12) Drug-Induced Tremor

Tremors that occur as a side effect of certain drugs like lithium, valproic acid, or some antidepressants and anti-seizure medications.

13) Wilson's Disease Tremor

A type of tremor associated with Wilson's disease, a genetic disorder where copper accumulates in tissues, including the brain, leading to neurological symptoms.