Parkinsonism: Tremor

Tremor is a rhythmic shaking movement that can affect the hands or other body parts. It has several causes, including medicines and neurological conditions. A tremor associated with parkinsonism may occur at rest, but the pattern varies and cannot be reliably diagnosed from a brief description alone.

Parkinsonism describes a pattern that can include slowed movement, rigidity and tremor. Antipsychotics can produce drug-induced parkinsonism through dopamine receptor effects, but other causes must also be considered. The syndrome is not identical to Parkinson’s disease, and its appearance requires assessment rather than automatic attribution to psychiatric symptoms or ordinary ageing.

Assessment considers when the shaking occurs, whether it affects one or both sides and what activities it disrupts. Caffeine, anxiety, other medicines and physical illness may contribute. A new tremor should not automatically be attributed to schizophrenia or dismissed as nervousness. Clinicians examine it alongside movement speed, tone and the treatment history. Practical adaptations may help while the cause is evaluated. Management depends on the explanation and the person’s priorities, including whether the symptom interferes with eating, writing, work or confidence in social situations.

Tremor is described by its rhythm, distribution and relationship to posture or activity. These features help clinicians narrow possible causes. A video made with the person’s agreement may sometimes document an intermittent movement, but interpretation still requires context. Recording the practical impact supports care because a small tremor can matter greatly for a particular job, hobby or daily task.

Further reading: Australian medicine information; DailyMed prescribing information.