Tremors in the Human Body - Symptoms and Classifications

Though various accounts recollect the aforementioned title as subterranean worm-like creatures in a film starring Kevin Bacon, the associated tremors actually refer to involuntary actions and movements of specific parts of the body. The involuntary movements typically consist of a slight shaking to and from. Unfortunately, certain diagnosis may reflect an early Parkinson's disease, otherwise known as a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system.

Tremors can exist in both male and female genders, typically middle-aged individuals, and can affect various body parts such as the hands, feet, etc. The disorder can be genetically inherited, derived via drugs or alcohol, or even relate to a prior concussion or head injury. Though known types of tremors exceed 20+, the most common versions can be identified below.

Essential tremor is considered the most common. Genetically, children of parents diagnosed with the disorder have a 50% chance of also inheriting the symptoms. Typically, this type will induce symptoms via one half of the body, and then eventually settle on the next. Other factors that may significantly increase the severity of the problem are stress, emotional disturbances, etc. Though hands are the prime candidate in this particular scenario, the head may also be affected in a rhythmic pattern movement of nodding or shaking.

Parkinsonian tremor is typically caused by damage to the brain structure. Similarly, it may initially affect only a portion of the body, and eventually inhabit various regions. Classified as a precursor to Parkinson's disease, this type may occur at rest.

Physiologic tremor is a type that can be noticed and experienced by nearly every individual. Naturally, this type has no significant threat clinically, but is simply considered a temporary reaction. Factors such as heightened emotion, anxiety, hypoglycemia, and physical exhaustion can force this disorder on the body. The nerves are usually traumatized by the aforementioned states and therefore produce sporadic results. For individuals who rarely experience the disorder, it is unlikely life or action threatening.

Currently, treatment is questionable and various medicinal prescriptions are only temporarily responsive. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke are constantly researching disorders of the brain and nervous system and are hoping to establish proven cures for tremors. In the meantime, individuals experiencing the associated symptoms, such as myself, are provided beta blockers, etc. depending on the type.

MedicineNet.com. Tremors (2010). Retrieved Jan 21, 2010 from http://www.medicinenet.com/tremor/article.htm