Shaky hands are commonly referred to as a hand tremor. A hand tremor isn’t life-threatening, but it can make daily tasks difficult. It can also be an early warning sign of some neurological and degenerative conditions. You should speak with your doctor if you experience hand tremors.
Many people associate shaky hands with Parkinson’s disease, but the most common cause of shaking hands is actually essential tremor.
Essential tremor is also the most common neurologic disorder affecting adults, but it’s not well-understood. It’s likely caused by a disruption in the normal functioning of the cerebellum. Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes the interruption nor how to stop it. They’re also unclear about whether it’s a degenerative process.
People with essential tremor experience frequent shaking. The shaking can’t be controlled and most often occurs in the hands, arms, head, and vocal cords.