Tremor or shaking hands or head

What are they?

A tremor is when you’re not able to control shaking or trembling in part of your body. It’s normal to have a slight tremor. For example, if you hold your hands or arms out in front of you, they won’t be completely still.

Tremors become more noticeable as you get older and also when you’re stressed, tired, anxious or angry; after drinking caffeine (in tea, coffee or cola) or smoking or when you’re very hot or very cold.

Some medicines and medical conditions can cause tremors.

When to see your GP

See your GP if the tremor is getting worse over time or it’s affecting your daily activities.

A mild tremor that isn’t caused by another condition doesn’t usually need any treatment.

Your GP may want to monitor you to make sure it doesn’t get any worse. They may refer you to a specialist for tests if they think your tremor could be a symptom of a condition such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis.

Treating a severe tremor

If you have a tremor that’s affecting your life your GP can prescribe medicine. Medication won’t cure the tremor, but it often helps to reduce the shaking or trembling.

You may need to take medicine all the time, or only when you need it – for example, before a stressful situation that causes your tremor to become more intense.

If a tremor is affecting your head or voice you may be offered injections to block the nerves and relax the muscles.

In rare cases, brain surgery may be an option to treat a severe tremor that isn’t helped by medication.