What does it mean when you shake a lot?

Shaking can occur due to various reasons, and in most cases, it is a normal bodily response. However, sometimes shaking can be an indication of underlying conditions or medical emergencies. In this article, we will explore the different types of shakes and what they mean.

The Common Shakes

The common shake usually takes place when your muscles are fatigued or when you’ve been engaging in rigorous activities such as working out or after having too many cups of coffee at once (yes that’s a thing).

Fatigue shakes

Have you ever experienced shaking hands after doing something repetitive like hammering nails or scrubbing dishes? Well… welcome to fatigue shakes! These tremors occur because your muscle fibres get tired from continuous use.

Caffeine jitters

When a person consumes large amounts of caffeine—more than two cups per day—causes them to receive heightened physical symptoms including increased heart rate and shivers (Too much coffee makes us happy though!).

Pathological Tremors

Sometimes shaking is not just a harmless response but instead indicative of an ongoing disease process.

Essential tremor

Essential tremor also known as familial essential tremor is one where there’s no apparent cause—it’s purely genetic. It often affects hands while performing tasks requiring precision like writing with pen/pencil etc. This shake becomes worse with age .

Parkinsonian Tremors

Parkinson’s Disease causes stiff uncontrollable movements characterized by resting tremors which means the amount movement lessens with intention or action (For example: When someone reaches for their cup off coffee).

A point to keep in mind: If you have these Tremors on one side more than another then its highly recommended that you go see a doctor!

Other Forms Of Shaking

Apart from pathological regions described above; other areas could be a reason for shaking as well. Let’s discuss it!

Anxiety shakes

Anxiety is the body’s physical response to perceived danger, and shivering is one of the symptoms manifested. This involuntary movement often gets worse when going through particularly stressful moments.

Pro Tip: If you try deep breathing or meditation techniques during anxiety-provoking times, this can significantly decrease your shakiness.

Hypoglycaemia

We’ve all experienced those midday cravings which makes us hangry. But if you have hypertension, tremors may be an effect of low blood sugar (Oops didn’t grab that candy bar because I forgot about reducing sugar)

TIP: Carbohydrates are a quick way to level out your glucose levels in such cases.

When To Be Concerned?

It’s vital to identify when shaking becomes worrisome and requires prompt medical attention; here are some criteria for identifying emergency situations:

  • A sudden onset of tremors with no prior history/ familial predisposition
  • Transfer from essential tremor which has been untreated (Can sometimes worsen)
  • Relentless hand-eye coilations
  • Trembling accompanied by fever or loss of strength/control on one side

Diagnosis And Treatment

Diagnosis depends on suspected cause and includes various tests such as MRI scans or electrophysiological investigations BUT ALWAYS CONTANT A PHYSICIAN WITH YOUR CONCERNS ;).

Treatments also vary depending on diagnosis: Sometimes beta-blockers can help alleviate jitters caused by anxious thoughts – medicines prescribed in epilepsy control seizures but there effects varies due its usage off-label treatment (discussion could happen at appointment) . For Parkinson Plus Syndromes like Multisystem Atrophy – Deep Brain Stimulation is used , surgical method where electrode implanted into brain ‘communicating’ irregular signals causing tremors.

(See table below):

Condition Treatment
Anxiety-Based Tremor Beta-Blocker Medication Tricyclic Antidepressants, Deep Breathing Techniques/Meditation/Talking With Healthcare Specialist
Parkinson’s Disease and/or Essential Tremors Levodopa (Parkinson’s symptoms) Propranolol & Primidone(ET),DBS Therapy

Summary

Now that we know about the different causes of shakiness in our bodies, it is essential to stay aware of when said tremors may indicate something serious. By reaching out to a healthcare professional for advice on managing trembling hands or shaking legs due to stress—you can work together towards better health outcomes. Or hey— maybe sometimes you just need an extra cup of coffee 😉

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