Most people do not have any trouble with writing in day-to-day life. For some, though, writing (and even signing your name or filling out a simple form) can be a frustrating experience. A shaky writing hand can range from a mild problem occasionally experienced by some to a debilitating condition that can noticeably erode one’s confidence and independence.

Whenever hand tremors are brought up, the first thought of most people is that it is a Parkinson’s symptom. While that can be the case, hand tremors can be caused by a number of issues. It is good to know the possible causes of tremors to understand the best time to seek help for this issue.

Why Are Hands So Shaky When Writing?

Writing requires your brain, nerves and muscles to all work in perfect harmony and coordination. If any one (or multiple) of these systems is disrupted, a hand can shake when trying to perform fine-tipped tasks.

Some common causes are:

Essential Tremor

This is the most common one and is classified as a neurological movement disorder. This condition is characterized by tremors that are most easily noticed while doing everyday tasks that involve the use of both hands (e.g. writing, eating, and holding things).

Parkinson’s Disease

This is probably the most talked about condition for hand tremors. For the most part, in the case of writing, tremors in a person with this condition are mostly noticed when that person’s hands are at rest. As this condition advances, some people have noted that it becomes even harder for them to write, their rate of movements slows, and their muscles become stiff.

What Causes Hand Tremors?

Hand tremors affect different people in different ways. This is most commonly seen after stressful events when nerves really kick in. But what else is behind the shaking?

Caffeine Overload

Drinking too much coffee, tea, or energy drinks uses up your caffeine tolerance too fast. This is most commonly seen with tremors when the nervous system is overloaded. Do not drink too much caffeine, especially drinks that have a lot of caffeine.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar, as seen in diabetes, leaves your body feeling weak and maybe even sweating. Low blood sugar can even leave your hands shaking.

Medications

Learning the side effects of all your medications (even your asthma and heart medications) is very important. Some medications even cause tremors.

Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid (along with losing weight and sweating) can leave your hands shaking.

What Other Symptoms Come With Hand Tremors?

There are a lot of other symptoms that accompany hand tremors, which basically all depend on the root cause. Some include:

• Shakiness when writing
• Inability to hold a pen steadily
• Unsteady handwriting
• Difficulty with fine-tuned motor skills
• Shakiness when eating or drinking
• Stiff muscles
• Slow movement
• Poor coordination and balance
• Fatigue of the hands

All these symptoms should be addressed, especially if they become common.

How Are Hand Tremors Diagnosed?

A neurologist can use a variety of tests to try to find the root cause of hand tremors.

The evaluation may include:

• Medical history
• Neurological examination
• Tremor observation while writing or performing other activities
• Checking current medications
• Blood tests checking thyroid and blood sugar and vitamin levels
• MRI or CT if other neurological disorders may be present

Your doctor may also ask about the onset of your tremor, the family history of your tremor, and what factors may improve or worsen your tremor.

Can Hand Tremors be Treated?

Tremors can be treated, and the treatment depends on the cause.

With a diagnosis of Essential Tremor, there are medications that may help with the shaking. For patients who have severe tremors that are not controlled with medication, MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) may be offered as a treatment option.

If the cause of the tremor is anxiety, then the tremor may improve with counselling and stress management. Tremors that are due to thyroid issues, low blood sugar, or a medication usually improve when the cause of the tremor is treated.

In some cases, just making a few lifestyle changes may help control tremors. Caffeine, diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management are some of the changes that can help mild tremors.

When Should You See a Neurologist?

Writing tremors, worsening tremors, and tremors that interfere with daily activities of telephone use, feeding, and dressing warrant a neurologist visit. If tremors worsen additionally with numbness, weakness, gait issues, and speech issues, a neurologist visit is required.

Seeking help early provides diagnosis and treatment of the cause of the tremor while symptoms can be treated and before they worsen.

Conclusion

Rest assured, shaking hands while writing is not always a sign of Parkinson’s. Several other things can be happening. Essential Tremor, stress, low blood sugar, side effects of medication, thyroid issues, and even anxiety can be causes of hand shaking. The first step to improving the quality of your life is finding the cause of your tremors.

Royal Care Neurosciences has a team of neurologists who have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat patients who have tremors and movement disorders. Not only do we have the best team of neurologists, but we have some of the best technology and offer even MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) as a treatment option to some of our patients. We want to offer personalized treatment to help our patients gain the confidence to help them live the life they want.

FAQs

1. Why do my hands only shake when I write?

One of the more common things to happen is called Essential Tremor. This disease is characterized by shaking during intentional movement (writing, eating, holding). Only a comprehensive neurological assessment can tell you for sure.

2. Does Parkinson’s always cause shaking while writing?

While a lot of people associate shaking handwriting with Parkinson’s disease, there are many more diseases that cause a similar condition. Essential Tremor and anxiety are also contenders, as well as some thyroid disorders and even some medications.

3. Can writing with shaking hands be treated?

Definitely, each of these has to now be a cause to treat. Options can range from medication to adjusting your lifestyle to participating in physical therapy. An advanced treatment, MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS), is an option for some of our patients.