7 reasons why you have shaky hands

Hand tremor, also known as shaky hands, is an involuntary shaking or trembling of the hands. Shaking or tremors in the hands can be a symptom of various underlying conditions or factors, such as essential tremors, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and others. Explaining these factors in detail

Dr. Sanjay Garg, Psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital Anandapur, Kolkata says, “Anxiety triggers the body's protective or defensive response. The rise in blood pressure is one of the signs; along with this, the body's supply of adrenaline rises, which prompts the heartbeat to accelerate and the muscles to shake and shiver.”

Alcohol withdrawal can cause tremors, particularly in the hands, as the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol. This can be a sign of alcohol addiction and may require medical intervention. The shaking can start anytime between six to ten hours after the last alcohol consumption. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol decreases the functioning of the brain and the energy level of the body. Then, in response to the alcohol's drowsy effect, the brain boosts the nerve activity to keep the human body in a high state of alertness.

“Tremors, anxiety, hyperactivity, and other signs of withdrawal may occur when alcohol use is abruptly stopped because the brain still continues to produce higher nerve activity and finally then tremors stop once the recovering individual has fully detoxed. However, misuse of chronic alcohol can harm the liver, brain, and nerves, which can lead to persistent tremors,” says Dr. Garg.

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia, can cause tremors, particularly in people with diabetes who take insulin or certain diabetes medications. It typically happens when the blood sugar levels drop below 4 millimoles (mmol) per litre. Along with feeling hungry and sweating profusely; shakiness and trembling serve as initial warning signs. Hypoglycemia can even cause a person to go unconscious under extreme circumstances.

According to Dr. Garg, Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. One of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism is hand tremors, which can affect the hands and fingers.

Dr. Garg says, “This is a neurological disorder that causes rhythmic shaking of the hands, head, voice, and sometimes other body parts. It is the most common cause of shaky hands, particularly in older adults. Essential tremor can occur at any age but is most common in people age 40 and older. People with essential tremors may sometimes develop other neurological signs and symptoms, such as an unsteady gait (ataxia).”

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. One of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis is tremors, it develops when a muscle involuntarily contracts and then relaxes, shaking a portion of the body. Tremors can have a substantial impact on a person's ability to move around, eat, and drink. The symptoms vary, depending on the amount of damage and the nerves which are affected. Some people with severe sclerosis may lose the ability to walk independently while others experience long periods of remission during which they develop no new symptoms.


It's important to consult a doctor if anyone is experiencing shaky hands or any other symptoms, as they can help diagnose and treat the underlying cause. There aren't any specific tests used to diagnose the reason for sudden tremors. Determining the diagnosis is often a matter of ruling out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms.