Tremor – what shaking hands mean and when to address them
Shaking hands are one of the most common reasons for visiting a neurologist – and at the same time one of the most commonly needlessly feared. Most patients with a tremor do not have Parkinson’s disease; the most common cause is essential tremor or the effect of medication, the thyroid or caffeine. At our neurology practice in Bratislava, led by MUDr. Michal Kozmon, we examine the cause of the tremor, tell it apart and set up treatment.
- The examination is led by MUDr. Michal Kozmon, a board-certified neurologist with experience at UNB
- We reliably tell essential tremor apart from parkinsonian tremor and other causes
- No referral needed, an appointment usually within a few days
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What tremor is
Tremor is an involuntary rhythmic shaking of a part of the body, most often the hands, but it can also affect the head, chin or voice. A certain fine tremor is natural in everyone – it is made more noticeable by stress, fatigue, hunger, coffee or nerves. We speak of a disorder when the tremor persists, intensifies or starts to interfere with everyday activities: writing, drinking from a glass, eating soup.
Good news to start with: in most cases, shaking hands do not mean a serious condition. The key is to correctly determine its type – both the treatment and the prognosis depend on it.
The most common causes of tremor
Different types of tremor look different – an experienced neurologist recognizes them during the examination.
Essential tremor
The most common cause of tremor. It appears with movement and when holding objects, typically in both hands, sometimes also in the head or voice. It often runs in the family and is temporarily eased by a small amount of alcohol. It is not a precursor of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinsonian tremor
A resting tremor – the hand shakes when resting freely, and the tremor eases with purposeful movement. It usually starts on one side and is accompanied by stiffness and slowness of movement. It requires different treatment from essential tremor.
Medication and addictive substances
Tremor can be triggered or made worse by some medications (for example for asthma, the psyche or the heart), excessive caffeine, energy drinks and alcohol withdrawal. Once the cause is adjusted, the tremor often subsides.
Thyroid and other causes
An overactive thyroid causes a fine, fast tremor together with palpitations, sweating and weight loss. Tremor can also accompany anxiety, low blood sugar or other neurological conditions.
How the diagnosis works
The foundation is a detailed medical history and a neurological examination. We want to know when the tremor appears – at rest, with movement, when holding objects – how long it has lasted, what makes it worse, what medication you take and whether tremor runs in your family. During the examination we assess the character of the tremor during various activities, for example writing or drawing a spiral.
Distinguishing between essential tremor and parkinsonian tremor is the most important step. As needed, we add blood tests (thyroid, metabolic causes) and, in unclear cases, an EMG examination or brain imaging, for which we refer you.
When not to worry
A tremor in itself is no reason to panic. These situations are usually harmless:
- A fine tremor with nerves, stress, fatigue or hunger, which disappears once the situation passes
- A tremor after a larger amount of coffee or energy drinks
- A long-standing, slowly changing tremor with movement that someone in the family also has
- A tremor that appears after a new medication and subsides after consulting a doctor
Even a harmless tremor can, however, get in the way at work or when signing – then treatment that eases it makes sense. Book on +421 948 687 667.
When to have a tremor examined without delay
Book an examination if the tremor is combined with any of these signs:
- A tremor of the hand at rest, especially if it started on one side
- A tremor together with stiffness, slowness of movement or a change in handwriting
- A tremor with palpitations, sweating and weight loss (a possible thyroid disorder)
- A tremor that is getting worse quickly or significantly limits everyday activities
Caution: a sudden tremor with other symptoms
A suddenly developed tremor or clumsiness of a limb together with a speech problem or paralysis of the face or a limb can mean a stroke, which requires immediate medical help. For a long-standing tremor, book on +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about shaking hands
In most cases, no. The most common cause of tremor is essential tremor, which shows with movement and is unrelated to Parkinson’s disease. Parkinsonian tremor is typically a resting tremor and is accompanied by stiffness and slowness of movement. An examination tells them apart reliably.
It is the most common movement disorder – a tremor with movement and when holding objects, often running in the family. It is not life-threatening and does not shorten life, but it can get in the way when eating, writing or working. In that case, medication helps.
Yes, very often. Caffeine, energy drinks and some medications (for asthma, the heart or the psyche) trigger or intensify a tremor. That is why the examination always includes a review of medication and habits – sometimes a dose adjustment is enough and the tremor subsides.
If the tremor does not get in the way, treatment is not necessary. If it limits everyday activities, we prescribe medication that suppresses the tremor in most patients. We set up the treatment gradually and monitor its effect at follow-ups. Limiting caffeine and getting enough sleep also help.
The tremor can gradually become more pronounced over the years, but it usually progresses slowly and can be kept under control with treatment in the long term. With regular monitoring we can adjust the treatment in time or catch a change in the character of the tremor.
You do not need a referral – we are a private practice not contracted with health insurers. We usually offer an appointment within a few days.
Related topics
EMG examination
Examination of nerve and muscle function right in the practice – helps in unclear cases of tremor and weakness.
Who will take care of you
Neurologist · head medical guarantor for neurology at Proctocare
MUDr. Michal Kozmon focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on a comprehensive and individual approach to the patient. He also specializes in electromyographic (EMG) examinations.
- Neurology departments of University Hospital Bratislava
- Specialization in EMG examinations
- Board certification in neurology
Neurologist · Bratislava practice
MUDr. Dominika Olšavská Koteková focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on an individual approach and comprehensive patient care.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Michal Kozmon – neurologist, head medical guarantor of neurology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Troubled by shaking hands?
Book a neurological examination – we find the cause of the tremor, in most cases reassure you, and set up treatment if needed.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Tremor – what shaking hands mean and when to address them
Shaking hands are one of the most common reasons for visiting a neurologist – and at the same time one of the most commonly needlessly feared. Most patients with a tremor do not have Parkinson’s disease; the most common cause is essential tremor or the effect of medication, the thyroid or caffeine. At our neurology practice in Bratislava, led by MUDr. Michal Kozmon, we examine the cause of the tremor, tell it apart and set up treatment.
- The examination is led by MUDr. Michal Kozmon, a board-certified neurologist with experience at UNB
- We reliably tell essential tremor apart from parkinsonian tremor and other causes
- No referral needed, an appointment usually within a few days
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What tremor is
Tremor is an involuntary rhythmic shaking of a part of the body, most often the hands, but it can also affect the head, chin or voice. A certain fine tremor is natural in everyone – it is made more noticeable by stress, fatigue, hunger, coffee or nerves. We speak of a disorder when the tremor persists, intensifies or starts to interfere with everyday activities: writing, drinking from a glass, eating soup.
Good news to start with: in most cases, shaking hands do not mean a serious condition. The key is to correctly determine its type – both the treatment and the prognosis depend on it.
The most common causes of tremor
Different types of tremor look different – an experienced neurologist recognizes them during the examination.
Essential tremor
The most common cause of tremor. It appears with movement and when holding objects, typically in both hands, sometimes also in the head or voice. It often runs in the family and is temporarily eased by a small amount of alcohol. It is not a precursor of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinsonian tremor
A resting tremor – the hand shakes when resting freely, and the tremor eases with purposeful movement. It usually starts on one side and is accompanied by stiffness and slowness of movement. It requires different treatment from essential tremor.
Medication and addictive substances
Tremor can be triggered or made worse by some medications (for example for asthma, the psyche or the heart), excessive caffeine, energy drinks and alcohol withdrawal. Once the cause is adjusted, the tremor often subsides.
Thyroid and other causes
An overactive thyroid causes a fine, fast tremor together with palpitations, sweating and weight loss. Tremor can also accompany anxiety, low blood sugar or other neurological conditions.
How the diagnosis works
The foundation is a detailed medical history and a neurological examination. We want to know when the tremor appears – at rest, with movement, when holding objects – how long it has lasted, what makes it worse, what medication you take and whether tremor runs in your family. During the examination we assess the character of the tremor during various activities, for example writing or drawing a spiral.
Distinguishing between essential tremor and parkinsonian tremor is the most important step. As needed, we add blood tests (thyroid, metabolic causes) and, in unclear cases, an EMG examination or brain imaging, for which we refer you.
When not to worry
A tremor in itself is no reason to panic. These situations are usually harmless:
- A fine tremor with nerves, stress, fatigue or hunger, which disappears once the situation passes
- A tremor after a larger amount of coffee or energy drinks
- A long-standing, slowly changing tremor with movement that someone in the family also has
- A tremor that appears after a new medication and subsides after consulting a doctor
Even a harmless tremor can, however, get in the way at work or when signing – then treatment that eases it makes sense. Book on +421 948 687 667.
When to have a tremor examined without delay
Book an examination if the tremor is combined with any of these signs:
- A tremor of the hand at rest, especially if it started on one side
- A tremor together with stiffness, slowness of movement or a change in handwriting
- A tremor with palpitations, sweating and weight loss (a possible thyroid disorder)
- A tremor that is getting worse quickly or significantly limits everyday activities
Caution: a sudden tremor with other symptoms
A suddenly developed tremor or clumsiness of a limb together with a speech problem or paralysis of the face or a limb can mean a stroke, which requires immediate medical help. For a long-standing tremor, book on +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about shaking hands
In most cases, no. The most common cause of tremor is essential tremor, which shows with movement and is unrelated to Parkinson’s disease. Parkinsonian tremor is typically a resting tremor and is accompanied by stiffness and slowness of movement. An examination tells them apart reliably.
It is the most common movement disorder – a tremor with movement and when holding objects, often running in the family. It is not life-threatening and does not shorten life, but it can get in the way when eating, writing or working. In that case, medication helps.
Yes, very often. Caffeine, energy drinks and some medications (for asthma, the heart or the psyche) trigger or intensify a tremor. That is why the examination always includes a review of medication and habits – sometimes a dose adjustment is enough and the tremor subsides.
If the tremor does not get in the way, treatment is not necessary. If it limits everyday activities, we prescribe medication that suppresses the tremor in most patients. We set up the treatment gradually and monitor its effect at follow-ups. Limiting caffeine and getting enough sleep also help.
The tremor can gradually become more pronounced over the years, but it usually progresses slowly and can be kept under control with treatment in the long term. With regular monitoring we can adjust the treatment in time or catch a change in the character of the tremor.
You do not need a referral – we are a private practice not contracted with health insurers. We usually offer an appointment within a few days.
Related topics
EMG examination
Examination of nerve and muscle function right in the practice – helps in unclear cases of tremor and weakness.
Who will take care of you
Neurologist · head medical guarantor for neurology at Proctocare
MUDr. Michal Kozmon focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on a comprehensive and individual approach to the patient. He also specializes in electromyographic (EMG) examinations.
- Neurology departments of University Hospital Bratislava
- Specialization in EMG examinations
- Board certification in neurology
Neurologist · Bratislava practice
MUDr. Dominika Olšavská Koteková focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on an individual approach and comprehensive patient care.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Michal Kozmon – neurologist, head medical guarantor of neurology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Troubled by shaking hands?
Book a neurological examination – we find the cause of the tremor, in most cases reassure you, and set up treatment if needed.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Tremor – what shaking hands mean and when to address them
Shaking hands are one of the most common reasons for visiting a neurologist – and at the same time one of the most commonly needlessly feared. Most patients with a tremor do not have Parkinson’s disease; the most common cause is essential tremor or the effect of medication, the thyroid or caffeine. At our neurology practice in Bratislava, led by MUDr. Michal Kozmon, we examine the cause of the tremor, tell it apart and set up treatment.
- The examination is led by MUDr. Michal Kozmon, a board-certified neurologist with experience at UNB
- We reliably tell essential tremor apart from parkinsonian tremor and other causes
- No referral needed, an appointment usually within a few days
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What tremor is
Tremor is an involuntary rhythmic shaking of a part of the body, most often the hands, but it can also affect the head, chin or voice. A certain fine tremor is natural in everyone – it is made more noticeable by stress, fatigue, hunger, coffee or nerves. We speak of a disorder when the tremor persists, intensifies or starts to interfere with everyday activities: writing, drinking from a glass, eating soup.
Good news to start with: in most cases, shaking hands do not mean a serious condition. The key is to correctly determine its type – both the treatment and the prognosis depend on it.
The most common causes of tremor
Different types of tremor look different – an experienced neurologist recognizes them during the examination.
Essential tremor
The most common cause of tremor. It appears with movement and when holding objects, typically in both hands, sometimes also in the head or voice. It often runs in the family and is temporarily eased by a small amount of alcohol. It is not a precursor of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinsonian tremor
A resting tremor – the hand shakes when resting freely, and the tremor eases with purposeful movement. It usually starts on one side and is accompanied by stiffness and slowness of movement. It requires different treatment from essential tremor.
Medication and addictive substances
Tremor can be triggered or made worse by some medications (for example for asthma, the psyche or the heart), excessive caffeine, energy drinks and alcohol withdrawal. Once the cause is adjusted, the tremor often subsides.
Thyroid and other causes
An overactive thyroid causes a fine, fast tremor together with palpitations, sweating and weight loss. Tremor can also accompany anxiety, low blood sugar or other neurological conditions.
How the diagnosis works
The foundation is a detailed medical history and a neurological examination. We want to know when the tremor appears – at rest, with movement, when holding objects – how long it has lasted, what makes it worse, what medication you take and whether tremor runs in your family. During the examination we assess the character of the tremor during various activities, for example writing or drawing a spiral.
Distinguishing between essential tremor and parkinsonian tremor is the most important step. As needed, we add blood tests (thyroid, metabolic causes) and, in unclear cases, an EMG examination or brain imaging, for which we refer you.
When not to worry
A tremor in itself is no reason to panic. These situations are usually harmless:
- A fine tremor with nerves, stress, fatigue or hunger, which disappears once the situation passes
- A tremor after a larger amount of coffee or energy drinks
- A long-standing, slowly changing tremor with movement that someone in the family also has
- A tremor that appears after a new medication and subsides after consulting a doctor
Even a harmless tremor can, however, get in the way at work or when signing – then treatment that eases it makes sense. Book on +421 948 687 667.
When to have a tremor examined without delay
Book an examination if the tremor is combined with any of these signs:
- A tremor of the hand at rest, especially if it started on one side
- A tremor together with stiffness, slowness of movement or a change in handwriting
- A tremor with palpitations, sweating and weight loss (a possible thyroid disorder)
- A tremor that is getting worse quickly or significantly limits everyday activities
Caution: a sudden tremor with other symptoms
A suddenly developed tremor or clumsiness of a limb together with a speech problem or paralysis of the face or a limb can mean a stroke, which requires immediate medical help. For a long-standing tremor, book on +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about shaking hands
In most cases, no. The most common cause of tremor is essential tremor, which shows with movement and is unrelated to Parkinson’s disease. Parkinsonian tremor is typically a resting tremor and is accompanied by stiffness and slowness of movement. An examination tells them apart reliably.
It is the most common movement disorder – a tremor with movement and when holding objects, often running in the family. It is not life-threatening and does not shorten life, but it can get in the way when eating, writing or working. In that case, medication helps.
Yes, very often. Caffeine, energy drinks and some medications (for asthma, the heart or the psyche) trigger or intensify a tremor. That is why the examination always includes a review of medication and habits – sometimes a dose adjustment is enough and the tremor subsides.
If the tremor does not get in the way, treatment is not necessary. If it limits everyday activities, we prescribe medication that suppresses the tremor in most patients. We set up the treatment gradually and monitor its effect at follow-ups. Limiting caffeine and getting enough sleep also help.
The tremor can gradually become more pronounced over the years, but it usually progresses slowly and can be kept under control with treatment in the long term. With regular monitoring we can adjust the treatment in time or catch a change in the character of the tremor.
You do not need a referral – we are a private practice not contracted with health insurers. We usually offer an appointment within a few days.
Related topics
EMG examination
Examination of nerve and muscle function right in the practice – helps in unclear cases of tremor and weakness.
Who will take care of you
Neurologist · head medical guarantor for neurology at Proctocare
MUDr. Michal Kozmon focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on a comprehensive and individual approach to the patient. He also specializes in electromyographic (EMG) examinations.
- Neurology departments of University Hospital Bratislava
- Specialization in EMG examinations
- Board certification in neurology
Neurologist · Bratislava practice
MUDr. Dominika Olšavská Koteková focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on an individual approach and comprehensive patient care.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Michal Kozmon – neurologist, head medical guarantor of neurology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Troubled by shaking hands?
Book a neurological examination – we find the cause of the tremor, in most cases reassure you, and set up treatment if needed.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk