Does a Mild Tremor Usually Get Worse?

Noticing a slight shake in your hands can be unsettling. Like many people, you might wonder if a mild tremor could be a sign of a condition that will worsen over time.

The answer depends on what’s causing the tremor. Some tremors remain mild for years and never significantly affect daily life. Others gradually progress if they’re linked to an underlying neurological condition.

Below, Dr. Irfan Lalani explains what tremors are and how our team can help you manage them.

What exactly is a tremor?

A tremor is an involuntary shaking movement that typically affects your hands, but it can also occur in your arms, head, voice, or legs.

Tremors happen when there is disruption in the parts of your brain that control movement and muscle coordination. Depending on the cause, tremors may appear when your hands are at rest, when you’re holding something, or when you’re trying to perform precise movements.

In some cases, tremors are temporary or mild. In others, they may be part of a neurological condition that requires evaluation and treatment.

Common causes of tremors

Several neurological and medical conditions can lead to tremors.

These may include:

Parkinson’s disease
Tardive dyskinesia
Multiple sclerosis
Restless legs syndrome
Traumatic brain injury
Stroke

However, not all tremors are caused by an underlying disease. Some people develop essential tremor, which is one of the most common movement disorders.

Essential tremor often runs in families and typically causes shaking in the hands while performing activities like writing, holding a cup, or using utensils. About 70% of essential tremors are inherited.

Shakiness can also occur with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). However, this type of shaking is usually more generalized throughout your body rather than a tremor isolated to a single body part.

You might also feel shaky if you’ve just had a burst of adrenaline or have had too much caffeine.

Do mild tremors usually get worse?

Whether a tremor worsens depends largely on the underlying cause.

For example, essential tremor often begins mildly and may progress slowly over many years. In some people, it remains mild and manageable throughout their lives.

Tremors related to neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease may gradually become more noticeable as the condition progresses.

However, it’s important to remember that a mild tremor doesn’t automatically mean you have a progressive neurological disorder. Many tremors remain stable for long periods or can be effectively managed with treatment.

Shakiness related to low blood sugar, nutritional deficiencies, stress, too much caffeine, or adrenaline often improves once the underlying trigger is addressed.

Signs you should have a tremor evaluated

Occasional shakiness can happen to anyone, but persistent or worsening tremors always warrant a proper evaluation.

You should consider scheduling an evaluation with Dr. Lalani if you experience:

Tremors that continue or worsen
Shaking that interferes with writing, eating, or other daily activities
Tremors that occur alongside stiffness, balance problems, or slowed movement
A family history of tremor disorders
Tremors that appear suddenly or after a head injury

A neurological evaluation can help determine the cause and rule out serious conditions.

What happens during a tremor evaluation?

Dr. Lalani performs a comprehensive medical history and physical exam to diagnose tremors.

During your visit, he asks questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. He also performs a neurological exam and closely evaluates the part of your body affected by the tremor.

To confirm or rule out an underlying cause, Dr. Lalani may recommend blood tests, urinalysis, or brain imaging. These tests help determine whether your tremor is related to a neurological condition or another medical issue.

Treatment options for tremors

Once Dr. Lalani determines the source of your tremor, he discusses your treatment options with you. Treatment for tremors depends on the severity of the tremor and its underlying cause.

If the tremor is mild and not affecting your daily life, Dr. Lalani may recommend routine monitoring to track any changes over time.

When tremors interfere with everyday activities, treatment options may include:

Oral medications
External assistive devices
Deep brain stimulation

Dr. Lalani works closely with you to discuss your diagnosis, explain available options, and help you make informed decisions about care.

He may also recommend medication for specific conditions. For example, he may prescribe carbidopa-levodopa for Parkinson’s disease. He also provides lifestyle changes and even dietary changes that could help you manage mild tremors.