Many people who tremble believe that it is an emotional problem, but this is not always the case. In fact, says neurologist William Fernandez, you can enunciate the occurrence of moderate to severe ailments.

“It is a mistake to pass over this symptom; whenever it is presented, it is necessary to consult “, insists this specialist in abnormal movements and professor of the National University.

What is tremor?

An oscillatory and rhythmic movement of the body.

Because it happens?

It is the result of an exaggeration in the electrical control mechanisms of the brain. That is, since it is an electrical activity (oscillation), the parts of the brain communicate like this, and when there is an alteration in the control center, it becomes amplified and becomes evident.

Is it always abnormal?

Not always. The tremor may be provoked voluntarily or occur in situations of alarm or strong emotions; but when it occurs daily or interferes with movement and daily activity, it can already be described as a dysfunction or the manifestation of some disease.

Does it increase with age?

Age is an important factor, because Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, which is hereditary, is more frequent in people over 40 years.

What is the difference between Parkinson’s tremor and essential tremor?

In Parkinson’s the tremor is of slow frequency and increases with rest; It starts on only one side of the body, can affect the foot and is associated with slowness of movement and muscle stiffness, along with walking problems. The essential predominates with the execution of movements, when eating or writing; It occurs on both sides of the body and is not associated with slowness of movement, stiffness or blocking to walk.

Can tremor be a manifestation of ailments other than these?

Yes, there are multiple causes and it is important to rule out some ailments, such as hyperthyroidism or other hormonal alterations; some infections, such as neurological syphilis or tremor due to alterations in the inhibitory structures of the brain, such as tumors or damage to the brainstem.

When do you have to worry?

When basic daily functions, such as eating and writing, are interfered with by the tremor; if there are problems walking, slowness of movement and when the symptom occurs in only one part of the body, is very high intensity or is notorious.

Who trembles more? Men or women?

It is the same. The essential affects six out of every thousand people and Parkinson’s disease to one in a thousand.

Why are there people who tremble with fright?

Because the emotional control and movement control centers are intimately linked. In addition, there is an adrenaline rush that stimulates the nervous system and produces tremor.

Why do you tremble when it’s cold?

Cold is like a stress for the body, which causes substances such as adrenaline and norepinephrine to be released, which stimulate the nervous system and can produce muscle contraction to gain heat.

Does alcohol increase it?

Some people with essential tremor improve with liquor, but you can not resort to the use of this substance without asking the doctor.

Do the children tremble?

Yes. There is a precocious essential tremor; This symptom, moreover, occurs by alteration in glands that produce adrenaline, but it is very low frequency.

How is it treated?

Parkinson’s disease is usually treated with medications that stimulate the production of dopamine in the brain or supplant it. Its deficit alters the movement.

Essential tremor responds to drugs such as beta blockers, which are used for high blood pressure, and some barbiturates and benzodiazepines. In cases where essential tremor can not be controlled with medication, deep brain stimulation can be useful.

In Parkinson’s, when there is response to treatment but it is irregular, some types of surgery can be tried.

Tips to keep in mind

If the tremor is caused by a medication, consult with the doctor to suspend the drug or not, reduce the dose or change it. Never do any of this on your own.

For stress caused, try relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation.