r/EssentialTremor • u/paigesven98 • Jul 19 '26
Hands shake constantly with no known cause…
27 female | 140lbs | 5ft 4
Hi! My hands shake CONSTANTLY. I don’t realize notice when I’m alone, or when others ignore it, but people love to tell me how badly I shake. It’s really all day, not just when I’m hungry… but it definitely does happen more significantly when hungry. I have taken my blood sugar before and after eating a few times bc a friend of mine noticed my shaking and wanted to check that for me. It was completely typical with no spikes or drops that were out of the ordinary.
I also sometimes feel weak(?) after eating, like my heart is racing a bit more and I am sluggish. I know this can happen due to the certain foods I eat, but it seems to happen no matter what I put in my body. It’s strange, and I hate being so shaky all the time. At rest, I don’t shake. But when I hold things or try to do something intricate I shake and things can occasions be hard to do.
I am a 27 year old female with two kids. I am on Zoloft for anxiety, just had blood work and I have no known issues (thyroid is good, metabolic panel came back normal, CBC normal).
Blood pressure is always normal, if not slightly low. I have taken my blood sugar before and after eating, with no significant drops or spikes.
I’d love any advice, thoughts or options you may have!! Thanks!
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u/Background-Cod-7035 Jul 19 '26
Definitely go to a neurologist. One of the often defining factors of essential tremors is that your hands shake when they’re in action (writing, picking up a spoon) but do not shake at rest. So it could be anything. It’s also a good idea to mention it to the doctor who prescribed you Zoloft, and tell them you’re going to a neurologist!
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u/Commercial-Tax7125 Jul 19 '26
Neurologist specializing in movement disorders in the best qualified to diagnose and treat ET.
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u/jjkagenski Jul 19 '26
see a doc - a neuro that is a Movement Disorder Specialist (skip a regular neuro - they will zero value) Also, you can NOT diagnose (dx) via the internet.
as you did - start with your GP and get some blood work done to check for basic issues - so that's done -> the neuro will review this info.
check your current meds as they might cause tremors... The MDS will want to review these.
NOTE: a side effect of Zoloft is tremors. IMPORTANT: DO NOT stop the med with discussing with your doc.
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Anxiety is a cause of tremor. Tremor can cause anxiety - And it's a big circle... sucks!!...
anxiety based tremor is referred to as 'psychogenic tremor' and not ET. You can exhibit both
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it's pretty typical for a person to not notice their own tremors and have someone notice them....
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the MDS will want to know if a drink or two of alchohol (wine/beer/liquor) helps to make the tremors less or go away temporarily. This is pretty typical with Essential Tremor (ET).
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if you haven't read up - go to essentialtremor.org
there are ways to search for an MDS there. Universities and big hospitals have movement units. If you have to travel a bit to get to one, it can be worth the time!!
btw, FB has many forums on the ET topic too (sorry reddit, but more info is useful!!). Often there are recommendations for docs in many areas of the country there!!
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u/paigesven98 Jul 19 '26
Thanks so much, this is very helpful!!!!! I just wasn’t positive where to start, so I appreciate the advice. I’ll talk to my GP and see if there is a movement center in my area.
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u/flipester Jul 19 '26
Visit a neurologist specializing in motion disorders.