Shaky hands
Normally, our hands shake very, very slightly all the time we are awake. This is because the tiny muscle fibres in our hands and arms constantly contract and relax at random. It is only when shakiness of our hands begins to interfere with writing, holding a cup of coffee or using a knife and fork that it becomes a problem. When people notice their hands are shaky, they often start to worry that they have Parkinson’s disease, but this is usually not the case.
Common causes of shaky hands
- Essential tremor is unusual in young people, but affects 1 in 20 of the population over the age of 40.
- It tends to run in families, so some of your close relatives may also have it.
- It usually affects the hands, often the head, and sometimes the voice and other parts of the body as well.
- It becomes worse when you use your hands to do something, such as picking up a small object, or if you try to maintain a position, such as holding a cup steady. If you rest your hands quietly on your lap, the shaking usually stops.
- It is uncontrollable and does not mean you are ‘nervy’ or ‘neurotic’ (although, frustratingly, it becomes worse when you are anxious).
- An alcoholic drink often improves it, but obviously you should not overdo this remedy.
- If the shaking is really troublesome, your doctor can prescribe a drug such as a beta-blocker or primidone. Avoid too much coffee and strong tea.
Less common causes
Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated:
Friday, February 26th 2010
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Comments on this article
Posted by Optional on 24/07/2010 at 04:03:47 am
im 41 had it all my life and its getting worse
Posted by girly1 on 20/07/2010 at 03:51:04 am
my hands have started to shake alot these days, i also have a thyroid noddle in my throat, but the doctor keep saying i hav'nt got hyperthoidism, i don't know whats going on in side my body . The doctors are also not helping at all, i,ve had the needle test for the thyroid noddle, they say its benine, i don;t know whats happenins with me. Is there any one who could guide?
Posted by aseem on 19/07/2010 at 10:36:32 pm
i have completed my bachelor of science, now i want to do master's degree but i have a problem of shaky hands, my hands shake when i do any work infront of people such as practical in lab, its very embarrassing for me, please help me out
Posted by roxie folker on 19/07/2010 at 05:30:21 pm
my shaking hands started as a child. grandfather, father, and uncle ,child have this. any help would be helpful
Posted by Optional on 19/07/2010 at 04:25:42 pm
Just terminated at age 66 - I'm typing and right hand jerks and either incorrect or extra keys are presses.
Posted by payal on 01/07/2010 at 09:41:04 am
I am a medical student(1'st year mbbs).My hands shake when I do my practical work like dissection, holding a testtube.My condition become worse infront of teachers.I have no problem in writing infact people & teachers appreciate my handwritng.Last month I had my thyroid checkup & my reports were normal.Doctors say that it's because of my consciousness.But what should I do I am afraid of my medical carrer.In I may face problem in giving injections to patients ∈ doing operations.MY teachers often shout at me for this.They say,"why have you chosen this field?".My problem is really getting serious. please...please....give me some solution.
Posted by Optional on 29/06/2010 at 01:15:26 am
my fingers willshakes when i hold tea or coffee cups and etc., things . Please give treatment for it. jolly
Posted by john ray on 28/06/2010 at 01:01:27 am
my hand shakes when i hold a cup of coffee, or when i do practical works like pipetting of solutions or sometimes when i draw straight lines with pen
Posted by Optional on 26/06/2010 at 07:45:12 am
I've Ben Told That Sometimes The Cause Of Shaky Hands Can Be a person who masturbates alot I'm Not sure but i kindda masturbate more often then a normal person would or in this case girl.
Posted by larah macdonald on 18/06/2010 at 03:31:38 am
im 14 and i think i have Essential tremor i have nearly all of the symptoms, sometimes i get the shakes really bad and it so embarrising trying to hind it from my friends! wat can i do:(?
Posted by shellie on 16/06/2010 at 11:02:03 am
im allways shaking and i dont no why.can you tell me why this is happining ?
Posted by Sanju on 15/06/2010 at 11:44:40 pm
Thanks for this information.... I am a right hand guy. and my right hand shakes very little though. but sometimes too much. i take alcohol once a week. Is there any serious problem?? Or i have to consult doc???
Posted by Optional on 11/06/2010 at 03:49:24 am
iv suffered all my life with no medication any thoughts?
Posted by GEORGE on 11/06/2010 at 02:40:52 am
SHAKY HANDS (BOTH) ANY MEDICATION AVAILABLE. IS THIS AN ALCOHOL PROBLEM ?
Posted by sam on 10/06/2010 at 10:23:26 am
i have shaked since from ayoung age i,m 20 now its stoping me from doing ajob i enjoy very much? but i only have say 1 cup of t i dont like coffee i drink loads of water i am asweet tooth but not often its starting 2 worry me becoz of my job plz can u help thank u
Posted by Optional on 09/06/2010 at 03:23:32 am
my hand is trembling when I writing and doing my signature and I used tobacco enough and my job is very stressful so please explain the reason of shaking and also medicines
Posted by xxx on 07/06/2010 at 11:51:32 pm
My issue is the same, there was this guy who had been seeing this girl, then i came along, and i have been ... with him (he was a Colleague), while with him my jeolousy never left me of her. now he's gone, but every time i went to pick up my cheque, to sign my name from her office(this girl), i just couldnt stop my hands shaking, just a few mins ago, i my hands shaing and then my knees too, its like the whole of me was shaking, God i hate it, what should i do, it only happens when i sign my name in front of her...need help to stop this
Posted by Optional on 07/06/2010 at 05:16:10 am
If you have low blood sugar take supplement Chromium, It has really helped me and me shakiness.
Posted by anglela on 04/06/2010 at 06:42:41 pm
hi my name is angela i have a question my hands shake to much even if im trying to get my earing on or drink something is that normal. im am worring a lot that i dont want too go to the doctors.
Posted by Optional on 03/06/2010 at 03:05:01 am
very useful information described in an easy to understand manner. I got a good understanding of the problem and possible causes. good work!
Posted by Optional on 28/05/2010 at 07:21:29 am
I have been having these tremors for a while now and so does my sibling.For example I might be texting, stapling a paper ,etc.I often have tremors in my hands and head and I really want to become a surgeon in the future but I'm not sure if I can depending on this condition.
Posted by Optional on 21/05/2010 at 08:18:33 am
shake hands n heavy head can you help? this started when i was on nights for two year a bit better now on days.can be nervous when out have a meal.
Posted by Nickss on 15/05/2010 at 03:46:05 am
This blog is good.ans are perfect and justified
Posted by Optional on 13/05/2010 at 07:17:36 am
When i am writing my hands are shake.so i am writing for check book very very difficulty.fast years i am heavy drinker but last six month i have no drink.
Posted by jakers on 10/05/2010 at 03:10:57 pm
my hands twitch that causes me to drop or accidently throw things. i feel shakey sometimes, allways needing to pass urine,tired,allways constipated,sickness,headaches ive had a mri of the brain + eeg both were fine anybody got any suggestions it worrying me now as its constant
Posted by Optional on 08/05/2010 at 08:26:10 am
hehe i was so scared when i started to twitch so i looked this up, and guess what! i had loads of sweets before hand and really really strong tea after. so glad that's cleared up ^^, thank you
Posted by beth on 05/05/2010 at 07:37:19 am
i have always shaked, my hands alway shake and some time my legs, my voice and head. i dont know what is causing it but it is starting to afect me alot as it is really embarrasing. if imk nervous then i really do shake and i mean shake, but even if i am not i still shake but not as bad but people see the shaking and always ask my questions. is there medication just to stop the shaking?
Posted by Heather on 03/05/2010 at 01:21:34 am
i use to be so outgoing. I had the lead in the school plays, I sang kareoke, I waitressed. 3 years ago I went to school to be a hair dresser. Thats when it first happened. i couldnt control my hands! especially when i new someone was watching me or if i was nervous.(this was so not me) my tremors got so bad that I couldnt function. Now that I know about my shakiness its worse. I cant put a cup to my mouth,not only does my hand shake but my head does too. If someone watches me sign my name i cant do it. chip and dip cant do it. soup and spoon cant do it. fork cant do it.I quit hair school because of this, Its ruining my life. i was just diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and have been taken meds for it, so that doesnt explain my shaky hands!!!Glad to hear Im not alone but really need an answer!!!!
Posted by Gangadharaswamy on 15/04/2010 at 09:34:00 pm
when i hold pen for writing without my knowledge i hold the pen taitly and shanking my hand when hold the pen for writing please suggest remidies and yoga for this problem
Posted by Optional on 15/04/2010 at 04:19:49 pm
I play dominoes for my local pub. Tonight I could not stop my hands shaking, but also I had a total memory loss regarding the status of the game in progress. I found this very upsetting as my opponent was very unsympathetic to how I felt. I had lost what was happening in the game like in segments, some I was aware about and others was just a blank.At the time of writing this my hands and mind feel ok, but this is the worst that has happened as I have similar things in the past, ie shacky hands but mot the memory blank out. My wife says I forget so mant things that it is not true.
Posted by Optional on 14/04/2010 at 05:00:24 am
can u get shaked hands if u maybe pregant
Posted by Optional on 09/04/2010 at 06:34:05 am
i have shaky hand n i think i fall under low blood sugar can i have any drugs to curb it,because it really embarrases me most at times
Posted by Optional on 08/04/2010 at 12:13:43 pm
I have an overactive thyroid, and every so often when my hands shake really bad, I find grasping something tightly or pushing down or against a hard surface helps.
Posted by Optional on 04/04/2010 at 06:39:33 pm
what if your hands are always slightly shaky even if your not nervous or if you don't drink much caffeine, and it never stops? & you've had it forever?
Posted by Optional on 03/04/2010 at 04:10:31 pm
my left hand shakes- I dont like medication - is there a vitamin or food that I should take to eliminate this problem
Posted by Optional on 01/04/2010 at 02:06:45 am
my hands shke all the time just my hands for ex. if somethings heavy they'll shake alot more and even when im not doing anything they shake alot ive been to doctors and they all say the same thing they dont know what it is tht i have but ive had this problem since i was 2 yrs old and its becoming worse.my friends ask me why i shake all the time and i cant explain even my teacher asked me i tried theraphy(opt) and it doesnt help and ive been offered medacine but why take it if i dont know what im taking it for.
Posted by Shyam on 01/04/2010 at 01:19:27 am
Hi i live in a developing country called botswana. so i dun reely kno if i can go 2 the docter, not sure if they r experienced enuf.. my hands are shaking wen i stretch them in front of me, also wen im nerves. but the shaking is like alot!!!!! wot do i do?
Posted by asha on 30/03/2010 at 11:21:36 pm
thanks for the answer to my Question.i always have shaky hands and heavy head.but i think i will see the doctor
Posted by confused :S on 28/03/2010 at 06:55:08 pm
I had stopped drinking coffee for a long period of time , but my hands still kept on shaking. they feel really weak when they shake and there uncontrollable. my Dr. said it might be my anxiety, but i doubt it is because it shakes non stop even when im happy and not stressed. its weird because it also started after i had a motorbike accident where i hit my head pretty hard, i had a brain scan and it was normal,i even asked the doctor if i had a slipped disc and he goes im too young to have that.Why cant they find a proper diagnosis for me its so fustratinng! its gna be so hard getting into beauty with shaky handss?! :(
Posted by Optional on 27/03/2010 at 01:01:33 pm
why does my hand shake most when I'm trying not to?
Posted by shaking food :D on 20/03/2010 at 09:06:12 pm
im 14 and my hands shake lots. especially wen im eating and if i raise my hand slowly to my mouth it shakes more the closer it gets. i couldnt write one time it was so bad and i had to use two hands. its very frustratinng when i eat but i think it may be down to nerves for that part becos at skl we eat in a big hall so theres lots of people watching people, and omg when i have to eat rice its almost impossible it just falls off the folk or whtever :| . but i cant hold my hands still and its reli annoying :/ n'ahhh well
Posted by Frustrated on 18/03/2010 at 09:30:15 pm
All I see is comments about are problems with shaky hands and no real solutions. I am so frustrated about it all, why dose this happen to me and why do I have to drink Beer the night before I work so that I can function in the morning? I recently started a new job and stopped drinking beer. I called in sick for my first 2 days on the job, after stopping drinking two days prior. Luckily they haven’t fired me but im worried about going in tomorrow because my hands are still shacking. wtf
Posted by Optional on 18/03/2010 at 11:21:58 am
my hands start to shake everyday now even im not drinking coffee and not eating sweet stuff or meals.
Posted by Optional on 17/03/2010 at 02:34:12 am
feel uneasy when carrying something and feel restless in my legs and hands
Posted by kristie on 10/03/2010 at 12:03:00 am
i always get shaky when i drink alot of coffee
Posted by Optional on 07/03/2010 at 01:07:35 pm
My hands has been shaking all my life and i had people make fun of it when i was little but now i'm use to it but lately i've realized it's getting a bit worse and i'm tired of explaining to people that is how they are and it's normal to me.
Posted by Optional on 24/02/2010 at 06:45:21 pm
Hey! Tonight I know I'm shaking cuz of too much coffee. If I wanna cure it tonight, should I drink some alcohol and eat a bunch of fruit? You think that'd help it in one night?
Posted by mark on 24/02/2010 at 06:29:25 pm
I HAVE A TREMOR IN MY RIGHT ARM SINCE DECEMBER 2009,IN OCTOBER 09 I WAS INJURED AT WORK WITH MY LOWER BACK-ALL IS OK WITH MY BACK,JUST THE TREMOR,I CAN'T HOLD ANYTHING, WHEN I TOUCH SOMETHING THE SHAKES GET WORSE,MY DOC SAYS THAT I AM JUST FINE,BUT THE SHAKES I HAVE DON'T GO AWAY HAVE THEM 24/7,HAVE ALSO HEADACHE ON BACK OF MY HEAD,DOUBLE VISION.
Posted by Stef on 22/02/2010 at 08:09:21 pm
very effective! A+++
Posted by shaky hands on 21/02/2010 at 05:23:17 pm
In my life i have had a lot of comments on my shaky hands. just this last week i had a paper in my hand and my teacher told me to keep my hands still but i couldn't it was so frustrating. What should i do? Please help me! my name really isn't shaky hands. ha ha ha ha ha!
Posted by Optional on 21/02/2010 at 12:13:07 am
i have a shaky hand too it is not that intense but noticeable when im a bit nervous or doing something that requires steadiness of my hand.i like drinking ice tea and had an asthma when i was younger .Im a dentistry student so im worried.my hands are bit sweaty too.
Posted by natalie on 11/02/2010 at 05:14:00 am
my hands shake every time im nervous
Posted by RR on 01/02/2010 at 10:40:00 pm
I have a left hand tremor, whereas my wrists will start shaking upon walking. I have been having it for more than a year. They dont shake at rest; my right hand, which is my dominant hand, is not affected; I do play tennis left handed, and usually does not affect my play, unless I hold the racket in a certain position. I can control the shaking, basically by just moving to another position. My dad did have this condition in both hands, but was not parkinsons. It doesnt seem to affect my strength, or balance, but, is quite annoying. It seems like it's mostly my wrist that shakes. I'm wondering if it may be a pinched nerve, as I do have herniated discs in my lower back.
Posted by Mr. Tabucanon on 30/01/2010 at 02:37:00 am
Hello,im still working here in Saudi.Since year 2000 my hands is shaking and in 2005 become worse till now.Im taking vitaminB1 like neorobion as my doctor said.But still it shaking also my legs now.pls help me some advice pls.
Posted by Glory samuel on 23/01/2010 at 06:31:00 am
My hand's shake when am holding my set
Posted by Anonymous on 09/01/2010 at 03:37:00 am
I dont understand why my hands shake so much, i'm only 14. Everytime i go to send a text message or write, hold something in my hand, raise my hand in the air it will shake slightly. But there are times where i can't control it at all.
Posted by toni on 08/01/2010 at 03:52:00 am
I have aweful bad shakes 24-7 and suffer with my nerves alot for over two years now,ive also noticed that my body jumps alot whist im relaxed.ive also noticed a lump on my eye lid and its been there for nearly a year now im worried its something bad,have you any sollutions for me?
Posted by Michael on 06/01/2010 at 12:44:00 pm
His hands shake when he picks up a fork or a cup of coffee. His hands shake when he turns the page of a book or newspaper. He has parifrial neropathy in his lower legs. He takes vitamin 12 tablets for that.
Posted by LJ on 05/01/2010 at 01:04:00 pm
i have this problem but i am yet to see a doctor to talk about it. However, i have the shakes in my hands and then people mention it, causing me anxiety then i get worse. it upsets me soo much. :( i wish it'd go away.
Posted by Reid on 03/01/2010 at 04:13:00 am
Hi... I also had shaky hand... but i haven't doen any medical checkup yet... i think my tremors starts after i had a car accident last year. i bump my head and was fainted for about 1 hour... after the accident i start noticing my hands tremors, and i speak with a weird accent, also im starting to forget much easier nowadays... could it be i'm having the "essential tremors" you are stating or maybe it was overactive Thyroid...
Posted by R.C.Gupta on 27/12/2009 at 04:53:00 pm
Sir, My hands are shaky when I am writing or signing. I am unable to write anything properly. Please advice. Regards. R.C.Gupta
Posted by Harold on 21/12/2009 at 09:22:00 pm
My hand shakes all the time
Posted by Anonymous on 21/12/2009 at 05:36:00 am
can u get shaky hands also from washing ur hands in cold water too often?
Posted by gw on 13/12/2009 at 01:03:00 am
My mother has been shaking for many years. I asked my father and he said that many of her side of the family did. My cousin now does. I do now too. It isn't a serious problem yet, but my doctor has offered to prescribe something when it becomes a challenge. My mother now has to drink all liquids, soup, tea, etc., through a straw. I'm not looking forward to that, but it could be much worse.
Posted by Ameena on 08/12/2009 at 01:46:00 pm
Hey, I have been shaky thru out my entire life, not just my hands or legs, but also my body. This happens wen I am with people, and its worst if they r strangers or if I am not comfortable with them, and as the number of people increase. Its very embarrasing as I shake at school in front of people. Its affecting my life entirely, I hope there is a way that I can reduce the shakiness.
Posted by Anonymous on 30/11/2009 at 01:38:00 pm
I have shaky hands ( both) when there is a big occasion in office or home. I can' write or take refreshment. Its very embarassing. I tried to avoid and it has affeted my carrer growth. I took best available neurophysician advice coupled with blood, Thyroid , urine CT Scan Test but nomedical abnormality was found. I took some medicines under doctor's advice but in vain. Now I do not know what to do.
Posted by Anonymous on 21/11/2009 at 10:33:00 pm
my hands have shacked my entire life. it effects my everyday life. I occasionally have anxiety, but even when I don't my hands are out of control. I have always questioned myself why me? Is their any medications that would help me with my mysterious disorder?
Posted by rebecca on 21/11/2009 at 04:50:00 pm
I tired of my shaky hands. Far as i have known i have always had shaky hands. But i don't understand when i eat a good breakfast and i really don't drink to much caffine i still have shaky hands It is driving me crazy.I also i don't eat my hands do shake, but if i eat and my hands still shake i drives me crazy
Posted by JO A on 18/11/2009 at 05:42:00 pm
My Hand tremer always But on Tue they were like hard shak I could not hold a cup, or put my key into the door. I don't drink or smoke. I did'nt fell nervy or any thing , The next day I were very sore,My arm and neck
Posted by paul on 11/11/2009 at 03:54:00 pm
i have a very frustrating problem with tremors. Mainly in my hands but if i go for a haircut my head starts to go same with the dentist etc hence the crewcut and not so clever teeth. Ii've suffered this for at least 10 years and self medicated a lot with disastrous results, i'm now starting to try and learn to live with it and it is slowly becoming a little easier, oh and using cutlery in restraunts is something i also try to avoid, this makes family occasions like christmas very stressful anyway there are people with far more problems than me so byee.
Posted by becky on 02/11/2009 at 12:19:00 am
for about three years i have had shaky hands, sometimes my head shakes and i cant stay still for long.i have lost my ability to write but i really hope a doctor can give me something to lessen the shakes.i have stopped drinking even caffein.liquor too.dont despair pple, everyone has problems but that shouldnt control ur life.good luck!
Posted by Calum Cowperthwaite on 16/10/2009 at 11:41:00 am
I am 16 and my hands have never been shaky and as i type this letter my hands are struggling to get the right letters, i dnt know what i have or wheather i am ill! does anyone know what I have?
Posted by M on 01/10/2009 at 04:13:00 pm
I've had noticeably shaky hands since I was 11 also. Propanolol and atenolol help a bit but the body adjusts to them and also seems to respond with a depressed nervous system. Caffeine and anxiety definitely make the problem worse. I recently read about how low blood sugar exacerbates it also. There seems to be a small window of time after I eat where I get no shakes. I skipped dinner last night. When I tried to eat this morning, my hands were violently shaking, I couldn't even raise the spoon to my mouth (I was in public). I literally had to bring the bowl up to my face and use the spoon like a lever to get the food in my mouth. REALLY embarrassing. I have a feeling that a combination of all of the therapies listed are the only thing that's going to help me. I might try accupuncture as well since it's supposed to be able to 'balance your energy', and shakiness to my shows excess energy going to waste. Good luck shaky people, I hate this condition!
Posted by Anonymous on 15/09/2009 at 02:48:00 pm
My husband hands often shake I noticed this morning in particular he drinks heavily would this be the cause
Posted by KrazyStraw on 11/09/2009 at 11:24:00 pm
i've had shaky hands since i was 11..i drink alot of energy drinks but even wen i dont my hands shake like crazy...and its rlly noticeable...are there any prescription drugs anybody could recommend that i could talk to my doctor about?...its REALLY bad wen im nervous.
Posted by junito on 24/08/2009 at 11:46:00 pm
Hi, im only 14 and my hands/arm muscles shake a lot when im nervous and anxious.. My left hand seems to shake more then my right hand, and when im holding small objects, i cant hold them still and its very embarrassing in front of your friends and peers.. Also when i smile my cheeks sometimes shake a bit, and my head sometimes is a bit shaky but not noticeable. I went to the doctor and they gave me some medicine which i took for a few weeks and seemed to have no effect whatsoever on the shakiness.. Any ideas what i can do to stop it or any medication/food/drink i can use to help?
Posted by Anonymous on 19/08/2009 at 12:50:00 pm
hello my name is scott and i have shakey hands but its more annoying than anything else. its like normal shakiness but slightly more 'intense' though not extremely shakey. i dont know if this makes a difference but i do have really big hands but i dont see how that affects it. any suggestions or am i over-reacting?
Posted by dusitn on 12/08/2009 at 05:44:00 am
I've had shaky hands specifically the left hand since I was around 11 years old. I know am in video and almost every day have to pin a lapel mic onto an interview. The shakey hands is best taken in stride. stay off coffee and other caffiene. If you drink a lot then hydrate yourself before bed and in the morning. Keep a calm demeanor. Remember you are the master of your domain. If all else fails I let the client know that I'm not nervous, I just have a bit of tremor, as most people that I'm about to film are way more nervous than I could ever be about interviewing them and it gives them something to take their mind off how they look on camera. If the shaking is really getting you down or messing up job interviews or your profession, I'm sure a beta blocker can get rid of the symptoms for the time you need it to. Don't be afraid to ask your gp about treatment, you dont' have a life threatening illness most likely!
Posted by agl on 10/08/2009 at 03:37:00 pm
I have read all statements and concerns.I too have suffered with shakey hands well especially the left hand have tried all but the one thing that seems to help alot and has condensed it is,drinking aloe vera juice.they sell it at walmart.try it it wont hurt you but might do for you as it did for me!never know?good luck to all and I will pray for all..
Posted by j.ram on 08/08/2009 at 07:04:00 am
my problem is shaking hand when i write, since 4years. i have a habit of holding the pen or pencil tight from my childhood, is it because of this? or any other reason, kindely suggest the cure or remidy. thanking you.
Posted by Jon on 08/08/2009 at 03:15:00 am
I am 16 years old and all my life my hands have shaken now they are getting really bad before it would be hard for me to hold a cup of coffee still. now its hard for me to hold a cup with out spilling it. lately i have been feeling my shaking all throughout my body. i get blood test done almost every year but it comes out negative. but at my age my hands shouldn't shake this much. i would love to know what it is but we just cant find out i am going to a different doctor soon to see if he knows.
Posted by Lisa Young on 28/07/2009 at 06:36:00 am
I have had shaking hands since i was a small child. bad enough that when meeting new people they ask me if im nervous. it seems to run in my family, my father and grandmother also shake. my shake is worse if i try to do something with small motor skills, threading a needle, or grasping something small. my handwriting has always been atrocious and my teachers in school always gave me a hard time about it, but i could not make it better. lately i have noticed it is getting worse. more people noticing. it is very embarrassing. i am unable to see a doctor at the moment due to lack of insurance, allthou i am very concerned. The last time i saw a doctor he did say i have a thyroid problem and put me on synthroid, it doesnt seem to help. i never asked a doctor about the shaking before, since it has always been there, but lately its so worse i worry. any help appreciated.
Posted by Anonymous on 23/07/2009 at 04:00:00 am
i've had hand shakiness since age 12 when in situations where people's attention were focused on me. When holding a glass or a sheet of paper in front of an audience. I am a teacher and this problem has entered into my decision for job offers. I have tried mind control and wine. I do not experience as much anxiety over it as in years past. I don't notice it as much now. I have one brother in whom I've noticed it. I recently noticed a 29 year old niece who is a teacher and pianist exhibiting some slight shakiness. I will not mention it because mine always exacerbated when it was verbally mentioned. I've never tried a medication for it but I have coped with it all my life. I knew a doctor who was the head of a department who had a wonderful career but stuttered severely. If he was successful in a medical field, I decided I could be successful in the teaching field in spite of shakiness, and I have.
Posted by Stuart on 30/06/2009 at 12:14:00 am
I've had shakey hands for years. It is so EMBARRISING!!! All the little things become such a huge deal, like holding a pint accross a room, eating, writing. It affects my confidence so much. It's also started with my head. None of this happens when I'm relaxed with my family, only when I go to work, go out shopping or just walking in public. Its like a mental battle with your brain. Your telling yourself I'm relaxed, don't shake. But guess what you still SHAKE!!! unbelievable. But there are days when its when its great. The best cure in my opinion is 1 forget its there 2 Confidence 3 pint of shandy 4 GP for tablets (haven't tried it myself yet cause I want to beat it mentally. Best of luck ppl
Posted by Mondovid on 25/06/2009 at 02:37:00 pm
My hands have shaken a little bit for a while now. About a week ago one of my friends noticed the shaking and brought it to my attention and ever since then it has been much more pronounced. I have always thought the would shake after a night of drinks or something like that and I would also notice it if I got a little anxious/excited about something. I do not want to have to go to the doctor and be put on medication. I have told myself no more drinking as I feel this might be the cause and I also have started to meditate to try and relax. I've been under a tremendous amount of stress lately. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I might control the problem short of going to the doctor and getting on medication?
Posted by Anonymous on 19/06/2009 at 10:31:00 am
my dad and his sister's hands shake and recently I discovered mine shakes. its annoying to find out that it very obvious. some say i'm an alcoholic while others say its parkinson's diease. thank God I now know the truth.
Posted by Kristal on 18/06/2009 at 08:34:00 pm
Im a student and i have this shaking hand problem for a few year now..im so sad with this problem it has take away my confident also my life!.i am electonic enginering student so it is so hard to me to face my life in university when handling with such small component..when i need to go out infront to answer question on the white board everyone will see my stupid shaking hand and it soooo embarasing...i also can't take picture when im with my friend because of my hand..im feeling down and feeling like a loser...i hate my self!
Posted by helena on 18/06/2009 at 06:18:00 pm
i shake all the time buh i dont know why. i ony fifteen buhmy handsconstety shake its not noticable at first butthen oncepeople reaise it is noticeable. my mu hsakes alot too but not as much as me. ive had it for years and i used to have low blood pressure so im going to go to the doctors x
Posted by Rob on 18/06/2009 at 02:08:00 pm
I've suffered with shaky hands but only in certain situations, eg in social situations / meetings where I am concious others may see me shake. The thinking about it makes me 10 times worse, so much so that I now avoid hot drinks in meetings, choosing water instead which I can leave if I don't get a moment where no-one is looking at me so I can drink it - I now use two hands to hold the glass!! It really is affecting my life and is getting worse, I guess because I'm thinking about it more. Anyway, I decided yesterday enough was enough, so I've just been the doc's (first time in 15 years of having this problem) who has prescribed propranolol and CBT. Let's hope it works! Must admit I don't like the idea of being reliant on drugs to get through the day, so I'm hoping I'll gradually get more confident and the CBT will help me leave the drugs behind. It is reassuring to hear others out there with similar issues.
Posted by Jim on 13/06/2009 at 12:07:00 am
I have the same problem of shakyness in my hands. I couldn't write,take a drink or eat.It started when I was 20 and got worse every year. I,m now 51 and it got so bad I went to a neorologist and she said it was inherited and she put me on Propranolol.The shakes are almost totally gone.
Posted by D.Johnson on 21/05/2009 at 12:00:00 pm
My Doctor tells me not to think about it.I eat with my right hand now as my left hand shakes so much.Is there any tablets I can buy over the counter. Thank you.
Posted by dothin on 13/05/2009 at 11:01:00 am
ive had shaking hands since i was 20 years but its getting worse everyday and its causing me alot of embarassment.I feel like taking away my life coz i dont feel confident anymore. I cant do anything even taking coffee in public.
Posted by michelle on 24/04/2009 at 08:40:00 pm
thank you very much for this information this was very helpful for me.
Posted by xyz on 24/04/2009 at 04:37:00 pm
i had shaky hands which was truly one of the biggest public embarrasment but i found a solution to this problem through self-analysis.I just understood the fundamental cause of it and it was the psycological fear of its occuruance.I just got rid of it by the strong feeling of self confidence through meditation,deep breathing and yoga.Now i am happier than before.
Posted by tommy10 on 24/04/2009 at 02:10:00 pm
My right hand would sometimes have a slight unsteadiness to it over the years, which I I always thought had to do with ligament strain when I was doing curls years ago. I took xanax 25 and half off and on from girl friend for about 1.5 years until we broke up last Aug. In sept On went on lexipro through Dec. at min dosage and weaned myself off. However about 3-4 weeks on lexipro I came down with shingles. Other then this I took the over the counter tylenol PM regularly at night. Have been for about 2 years. Still do! I am stressed over real estate market also. HOWEVER shortly after taking lexipro I noticed my right hand had tremors more noticeable to me and my left hand started up also. I do remember my mothers hands had tremors but never gave it much thought before. I have not been to dr. for this! Any ideas?! Tom
Posted by mj on 23/04/2009 at 04:13:00 am
im a very horny person and i think "too much sex" can make me shaky. even my body is shaking whenever i woke and get up on bed. is it true? i wanna have sex everyday. is it a bad habit? help me plz.
Posted by Daniel on 19/04/2009 at 07:18:00 pm
Hey, before starting training at a gym i didnt had shaky hands. But after a few months, i noticed they were a bit shaky, not much, but still noticable. At school, people told me that training can make your hands shaky. I would like to know if training can make your hands shaky.
Posted by jj on 19/04/2009 at 08:32:00 am
I have had shaky hands all my life, as did my Father, the main drawback is that people think you are a secret drinker which I am not... If I go to a social function a small brandy steadies the hands.
Posted by milley on 15/04/2009 at 08:05:00 pm
I have often brought this up with my physician but always seem to be set aside. This has always frustrated me. What a relief to see that it is not a big health issue after all, I seem to fall under the Essential Tremors, and yes I found out most of the 7 sisters in my family history had or has this. Thank you for your web site. Now I can just ask the Dr. for meds to help the shaking.
Posted by Jnita on 13/04/2009 at 11:37:00 pm
My hands started shaking about 1 yr.ago. I spoke with my doctor about it. He said it was harmless and we joked about it. So I didn't retain the reason for the shaking. Well, it has gotten so bad I have a hard time holding utensils, cups, ink pens, etc. I have to type most of my letters and cards now, but is hard sometimes because my hand hits the keys or the mouse, causing errors. I do a lot of crafts and sewing, so this makes it rough to do. I can put my hands in my lap and it will stop. I have C.O.P.D. and take medicines for this. I will consult my doctor about this.
Posted by KaTrina on 13/04/2009 at 07:17:00 pm
Why am i so shaky especially my hands and i cant function without valium.
Posted by Pta on 12/04/2009 at 11:04:00 pm
Ihave had an essential tremor since I had a temorary blip with my thyroid being overactive in my fiftys.However it appears to be getting worse, even though the Dr insists its not Parkinson,s I still worry.
Posted by amy on 05/04/2009 at 09:17:00 pm
i found this site usfull but i still feel worried so i am going to go see my gp
Posted by Diana on 02/04/2009 at 05:32:00 am
When I was in my early teens I suffered from body image problems and adjusted my intake of foods via anorexia and bulima. Bulimia was a winner in the end because it falsely convinces your mind everything is ok. About 10 years later though I noticed blood and realised I had to tell everyone and stop this. When I was pregnant I stopped and never let myself go back to it. Anyway... still I noticed later I had a problem with sweating under my arms and was so humilated. Years later this still in certain situations cannot be controlled.. I also have shakey hands at the slightest nervous moment. Often I wish I could just get over it and always live and accept it. So far these problems have had negative effects on my career choices. It's like I can work out equations and all.. but when it comes to a practical I worry more about the noticeable shaking than I do about the results. Why does the body not respond to the thought to stop?
Posted by Jarred on 30/03/2009 at 01:06:00 am
Ey, iv noticed that lately after a workout that my hands are exceptionally shakey, sometimes i can stop this by cracking of the knuckles but then other times it seems as if im nervous but im not. it sometimes happens to my head if i move it slowly, acts like a twitch.
Posted by Allen on 24/03/2009 at 10:14:00 pm
I have suffered with shaking hands for many years. It is most noticeable when I try to write (especially if someone is watching, or I'm in a hurry). Interestingly, I am an artist and the condition does not bother me when I paint or when I really concentrate on writing more slowly - curious.
Posted by Hal on 14/03/2009 at 06:29:00 pm
I've had shaky hands for many years, and the older I get the worse the shaking gets. Can't hold a cup of coffee without slopping it everywhere as well as a half glass of wine. My writing is terrible. I will admit that after a couple glasses of wine the shakes are not as bad. I plan on discussing my "tremors" with my doctor this coming week.
Posted by matt on 13/03/2009 at 08:37:00 am
my hands have shook for atleast the past few years and my palms can often swet.iv never seen a docter for this im just now able to talk to people about it without being embarrassed.im not sure what to do about it i have no healthcare.iv wished it to go away for quite awhile
Posted by j on 04/03/2009 at 10:38:00 pm
im 17 and learning how to be a barber. my hands are moderately shaky. but my fingers are worse they move by themselves. it makes me angry cause of wen im cutting im shaking. also the shake seems to come from the elbow. can anyone help?
Posted by mark on 02/03/2009 at 10:41:00 am
i've had shaky as far back as i can remenber and it hasn't stoped me from doing anything
Posted by just a normal guy on 20/02/2009 at 12:06:00 am
ive noticed my shaking wen i was about 13, bt its has goten worse over the years... its embarresing wen i present a speech infront of a class, not only my hand shacks, bt also most parts of my body and a tremer in my voice... bt nly wen im extremely nurvous... i also hav sweaty palms... i just hate my hands and need help...
Posted by Anonymous on 11/02/2009 at 09:46:00 pm
I too am a medical student. I've always had a slight shake which is worse when I'm anxious and haven't eaten in a while. It has never stopped me from doing anything in the past but now doing Medicine I am very worried as others have noticed my shake when examining patients and doing examinations, admitedly when I'm feeling anxious. I am worried about the future and having to take bloods or carry out other procedures.
Posted by Anonymous on 02/02/2009 at 06:47:00 pm
hi im a 18 female hwo starting to think that i have an essential tremor b first i didnt kno what was wrog wit me i would try to fo the lilltes thing like put a girlfriends ear ring in but failed becouse my hands wouldnt stop shacking i always tried the hide that mostl when i was around guys or new ppl being nerves made it unbarable so im going to the doc to find out wat exaclyios wrong wit me
Posted by J on 16/01/2009 at 11:22:00 pm
I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE HAD A STEADY HAND. IT HAS BOTHERED ME ALL MY LIFE. ALL I KNOW IS THAT I HAD CONVULSIONS AS A NEWBON I WAS HOSPITALIZED. THE DOCTORS PUT ME ON SOME LIQUID MEDICENE FOR NERVES. MY BROTHER ALSO HAD THE SHAKES
Posted by Anonymous on 13/01/2009 at 07:52:00 pm
My hands shake a little bit to much while I'm writing at work or at school.
Posted by FLE on 07/01/2009 at 08:55:00 pm
I have had shaky hands for a few years now. Doctor says it is just an "age" problem, but I have to sign a lot of important papers, as chairman of our Board of Elections, and it becomes very annoying. I am Type 2 diabetic, and yet there are very few moments when I can count on "steady" hands. They do not shake when placed on table, etc.
Posted by thavan on 06/01/2009 at 06:58:00 pm
father was an alcholic,and he used to tremor.Started for me when i graduated from school,and started studing electrical.had to quit.Now my daughter has it and she is studing medicine.Can you advise me a little more.thank you
Posted by gbenga on 23/12/2008 at 02:24:00 pm
thanks it helpd a little cos it didnt discuss on shaky hands caused by masturbation,dats wat i read 4rm a website and dats d only fing i do that could b related to my shaky hands,nd wats d cure pls
Posted by maiy on 18/12/2008 at 06:39:00 pm
pls help me i my two hand shake alot though i have explain to my boyfriend but he scared that it will not turn to something else in future because we lan to get married and something i use to feel pain in my thing like a burning sensaton i have been to my gp all i was given is paracetamol ls tell me what to do thanks
Posted by Anonymous on 17/12/2008 at 10:37:00 pm
I am a medical student and i noticed i have shaky hands. this is most troublesome for me because i never noticed it before going into medical school.i am doing so well in my academics but this embarassing problem crops up anytime i want to do any procedure such as venepuncture or suturing. at first i thougt i was just nervous but this happens at annoying frequencies. i afraid for my career. i dont have symptoms of thyroid disease though i have sweaty palms and tends to sweat more than is usual. i a asthmatic but it has been long i had an attack and i am not currently on any medication. no body has same symptoms in my family
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