On call: What causes shaky hands?
The most common form of hand shakiness is known as essential tremor. Its exact cause is uncertain, but essential tremor becomes more common with aging and may run in families. The shakiness in essential tremor is more pronounced with movement, especially when reaching for an object or pouring a drink. Caffeine and anxiety tend to make it worse; drinking alcohol lessens it. A person with essential tremor may notice changes in handwriting, which will appear messy.
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