Parkinsonian Tremors

What are Parkinsonian tremors?

Parkinsonian tremors are slow, rhythmic, shaking movements. They are most obvious and bothersome when your hands are at rest. These kinds of movement are linked to the brain disorder Parkinson's disease.

How do they occur?

Parkinsonian tremors happen when your brain does not have enough of a substance called dopamine. Without enough dopamine, you cannot control your movements normally. Known causes of these tremors include some drugs, carbon monoxide poisoning, and some kinds of brain infections.

What are the symptoms?

At first, tremors occur as a rhythmic back and forth motion of the thumb and forefinger. It looks like you are rolling a pill between your fingers and thumb.

Tremors usually start on one side of the body. They may affect more of the body as the disease progresses. Parkinsonian tremors can affect all parts of the body, including the lips, tongue, and jaw, though they rarely affect the entire head.

Parkinsonian tremors are called resting tremors because they occur when the muscles are at rest. They stop when you deliberately do something such as move or change position.

How is it diagnosed?

There is no special test for Parkinson's disease. Your healthcare provider will make the diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and a physical exam.

How is it treated?

Tremors can be treated with levodopa or other medicines. With treatment the tremors may be reduced or may go away completely. Most people who have Parkinson's disease and healthcare providers with experience managing Parkinson's disease think that the other symptoms are more important--that is, the rigidity and inability to move well. Treatment decisions are based on what is most disabling. Usually the tremor is a nuisance but not the biggest problem of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease may also be treated with surgical procedure in the brain. Inserting a brain stimulator has become more common than surgeries that permanently destroy small parts of the brain.

What can I do to take care of myself?

• Observe how your body responds to the medicine you take for your condition. For example, are there times of day when your tremors are worse? Overall, are your symptoms getting worse or better? Are you having any problems with your medicine? Share this information with your healthcare provider.
• Learn as much as you can about your condition.
• Focus on staying active, even though it may be hard to do some things.
• Be aware of safety issues if your tremor is not well-controlled. Examples include cigarette hazards and the dangers of handling hot liquids.

Written by Sharee A. Wiggins, MS(N), ARNP, CGNP, for RelayHealth.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.