Shaky hands....anybody else deal with this?

Question

My husband struggles with shaky hands...they only shake if he tries to write, eat or do small intricate things with his hands....when he isn't doing those things his hands do not shake...He can use the computer fine....It is almost like when he is looking at his hand doing something they are worse...it is very odd...He is 60...they seem to be worsening...anyone else deal with this?....Has anyone been diagnosed?...Any Doctor's with suggestions?....He has had this from back in his teen days but little by little is worsening...your help is appreciated....

Answer 1

By what you wrote, although not enought to make the diagnoses (as it is not possible to do the examination live), my guess would be that it's Essential Tremors. It's a movement disorder caracterized by shaking of any parts of the body (the most commonly hands). It can affect people at any age and "essential" in the name means that it's (not necessary) geneticly transfered. If he has/had somebody in his family that shook also it could be a good indication that we are on the track of guessing.
As he is 60 and shaking lasts since he was a teenager I can say that the pogression (although nessesary) is not so rapid. Many people even in their teens are not able to feed themselfs or use their hands in any way, what interfears a lot with they life/job/education etc. Trembling occurs most often when doing simple tasks such as drinking a glass of water, tying a shoelaces, writing or shaving. It almost never happens at rest what is one of the indications that it could be Essential Tremors. I will write some of the details about this condition so you can compare more:
Essential tremor often begins gradually. Sometimes it appears during adolescence. More often, though, tremors begin in mid- to late life.

The most common sign is a trembling, up-and-down movement of hands, although arms, legs, head and even tongue and voice box (larynx) also may be affected. Most people have tremors in both hands. Some people have tremors in only one hand, though the tremors often progress to include both hands.

Tremors usually occur only when engage in a voluntary movement, such as drinking a glass of water, writing or threading a needle. Actions requiring fine-motor skills — using utensils or small tools, for example — may be especially difficult.

Effects of worsening tremors may include:

Difficulty holding a cup or glass without spilling
Difficulty eating normally
Difficulty putting on makeup or shaving
Difficulty talking, if a voice box or tongue is affected
Difficulty writing — handwriting may become increasingly large, shaky and illegible
The inability to perform actions requiring fine-motor skills, such as playing an instrument or drawing

Most people with essential tremor don't need treatment beyond reassurance that the condition isn't a sign of a more serious disease.
Lifestyle changes — which include getting plenty of rest and avoiding stressful situations and stimulants such as caffeine — may help ease the tremors. Most people with essential tremor find that fatigue, anxiety, sleep deprivation and even temperature extremes make their tremors worse.

As i mention before, there are many people who are VERY limited by their tremors, they are suggested (ONLY if they can't function normally) to take medictaions that their doctor suggests (like beta-blockers, Anti-seizure medications, Tranquilizers, etc. in some cases even surgery- deep brain stimulation, could help in extreme cases).

I would suggest you to compare these things to your husband's condition and even if you don't find symilarities to take him to neurologist and check for sure what could be worng, if you find this could be his diagnoses then consult the doctor to settle for the treatmant.

If you need somebody to talk to, or ask anything more, feel free to write:
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I'll be glad if I can help. All the best!

Answer 2

Has he ever mentioned this to his doctor????

If not, write down howhe feels after doing, what he was doing.

Could be nothing, or, could be something more serious. See a doctor.

Answer 3

Mine shake when i dont eat for a while, or if i havent had enough or too much sugar in my system...ask your doctor.