Home Health Center
Tremors
Tremors - Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Tremors
For a proper diagnosis, your health care provider will ask you a number of questions.
- How long have you had the tremors?
- Is there a family history of tremors?
- What medications are you currently taking?
- Are there any supplements or non-prescription drugs you are taking?
- Have you recently had any head injury, accident or trauma?
- What other symptoms have you noticed along with the tremors?
- What is the frequency of the tremors?
- Which part of the body is affected by the tremors?
- In addition to your answers to these questions, your doctor will also conduct a physical exam to determine among other things whether the tremors occur during rest or action.
- Reflexes need to be checked, as do muscles, for weakness or atrophy.
- Blood tests and urine test results can indicate problems with the thyroid, chemical imbalances or metabolic problems in the body. These tests will also show if the cause of the tremors is due to drug abuse, alcoholism or any other disease.
- If the possible cause of the tremors is related to the brain, an MRI and/or other imaging tests will be conducted.
- A neurological exam to evaluate the functioning of the nervous system will show up along with any other problems.
- If there are issues concerning writing or holding a cup for example, the doctor will be able to assess the damage to sensory or motor skills. You may be also asked to perform tasks such touching your finger to your nose or drawing a spiral.
- An electromyogram may be used in combination with these exercises to assess the problem closely. The neurological exam will also test reflexes, muscle strength, posture, and coordination.
While tremors by themselves are not life threatening, they could indicate a serious underlying condition. If they remain untreated, it could result in further health problems. As soon as you notice any tremors it is important to visit your doctor at the earliest. Once the cause of the tremors or the underlying condition is diagnosed, the correct treatment can be prescribed. This should then take care of any embarrassment you feel due to the tremors and allow you to perform your daily tasks easily.