A tremor in one arm may be something many people overlook, but in truth it may be a warning sign of a health problem that deserves attention, whether a neurological disease such as Parkinson's, a stroke, or another problem affecting the working of the brain and nervous system. Understanding this symptom will help you recognise something abnormal and get examination and treatment in good time.
The character of a one-sided arm tremor to notice
Observing the character of the tremor in detail is important information that helps the doctor diagnose the condition, because each disease has a different pattern of tremor, in rhythm, frequency, and the situations that produce it.
Shaking at rest, or shaking on movement?
The character of a tremor can be divided into two main types, which give different clinical information. A resting tremor usually occurs when the arm is still, for example resting on the lap, and disappears or decreases on movement. This pattern is often found in Parkinson's disease. An action tremor occurs when doing an activity that uses the hand or arm, such as lifting a glass of water or writing, which is often found in essential tremor or other conditions.
Other symptoms occurring with it, such as limb weakness or slurred speech
Besides the tremor, it is also important to notice whether there are other symptoms with it. Symptoms to notice include one-sided limb weakness, numbness of one half of the body, slurred speech, facial droop, difficulty swallowing, or problems with balance. These may indicate a stroke or another disorder of the nervous system that needs urgent treatment.
The possible causes of a tremor in one arm
A tremor in one arm can arise from several causes, from neurological disease to the side effect of certain medicines. Understanding the possible causes helps you recognise the risk and the need to see a doctor.
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disease arising from the degeneration of the brain cells that produce dopamine, the neurotransmitter that controls movement. The initial symptom of this disease is usually a tremor in the hand or fingers on one side, with the characteristic that it usually shakes at rest and disappears or decreases when the hand or arm moves.
The characteristic tremor of Parkinson's disease is the "pill-rolling tremor," a shaking as though rolling a tablet between the thumb and the index finger. The tremor usually begins on one side and then gradually spreads to the other as the disease progresses. In addition, the patient may have other symptoms with it, such as slowed movement (bradykinesia), muscle rigidity, and problems with balance.
Essential tremor
Essential tremor is a neurological disorder found more often than Parkinson's disease. Its important feature is an action tremor, particularly when doing an activity that needs precision, such as writing, holding a glass of water, or using a spoon and fork.
The important difference between essential tremor and Parkinson's disease is that in essential tremor the shaking is clearest when the hand is used for an activity, and it usually affects both sides, although it may sometimes begin on one side first. In addition, patients with essential tremor usually do not have the other symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as slowed movement or muscle rigidity, and the symptoms often improve after a small amount of alcohol.
Stroke
Stroke occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is interrupted, so that brain cells lack oxygen and nutrients. If the vessel supplying the part of the brain that controls movement is damaged, a tremor in one arm may result.
The important feature of a tremor from a stroke is that it arises suddenly, together with other symptoms such as one-sided limb weakness or numbness, slurred speech, facial droop, or problems with vision. Stroke is a medical emergency, so if you suspect these symptoms are occurring you should see a doctor at once or call 1669.
Brain tumour
A brain tumour can press on a nerve or on the part of the brain that controls movement, producing a tremor in one arm. The tremor usually occurs with other symptoms of a brain tumour, such as chronic headache, nausea and vomiting particularly in the morning, problems with balance or vision, and possibly seizures.
After-effects of an accident or head injury
An accident or head injury may result in damage to the brain, producing a tremor in one arm, particularly if the injury affects the part of the brain that controls movement. The tremor may appear immediately after the injury, or may appear later as time passes.
How dangerous is a tremor in one arm?
How dangerous a one-sided arm tremor is depends on the cause. If it arises from a stroke or a brain tumour, the risk is high and it must be treated urgently. Parkinson's disease or essential tremor, although not immediately life-threatening, affects quality of life in the long term and should be diagnosed and treated early, to slow the progress of the disease.
Diagnosis when there is a tremor in one arm
Correct diagnosis is extremely important in treating a tremor in one arm. The doctor will use information from several sources to identify the true cause of the symptoms.
History taking and physical examination by a specialist physician
The doctor will ask about the tremor: when it began, what kind of shaking it is, whether there is anything that triggers it or makes it better, as well as other health history and the history of medication. Then there will be a detailed physical examination, focused on assessing the nervous system and movement.
Further investigation, such as MRI or CT scan of the brain
Where the tremor is suspected to arise from a stroke, a brain tumour, or another abnormality of the brain, the doctor may order further investigation, such as MRI or CT scan of the brain, to look for abnormalities in the structure of the brain. In addition, blood tests may be ordered to screen for other conditions that may cause tremor, such as hyperthyroidism or a deficiency of certain vitamins.
Warning signs! What kind of arm tremor needs a doctor at once
Not every arm tremor needs a doctor immediately, but some signs indicate that you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Symptoms appearing suddenly and severely
If the tremor appears suddenly, has never happened before, and is severe, you should see a doctor or go to the emergency department at once, because it may be a sign of a stroke or another neurological emergency.
Facial droop, a stiff tongue, slurred speech, or one-sided numbness with it
If an arm tremor comes with other symptoms such as facial droop, a stiff tongue, slurred speech, or numbness of one half of the body, it may be a sign of a stroke, which is an emergency needing immediate treatment. Receiving treatment within the first 3-4.5 hours after the symptoms begin increases the chance of recovery and reduces the risk of long-term disability.
A tremor that greatly affects daily life
Even if the tremor has not appeared suddenly, if it greatly affects daily life — for example preventing you from working or doing your daily routine normally — you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment soon.
Treating arm tremor at PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic
At PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic we have a team of specialist physicians in both rehabilitation medicine and neurology, with expertise in caring for patients with neurological problems, including arm tremor from various conditions. Our approach to treatment is comprehensive and whole-person:
Precise diagnosis by a team of specialist physicians
Our neurologists and rehabilitation medicine physicians assess your symptoms in detail together, in order to find the true cause of the arm tremor, through history taking, physical examination, and further investigation as appropriate.
Treatment with modern medical technology
We have a variety of modern treatment technologies that can help ease the tremor and restore the working of muscle and nervous system, such as:
- Stimulation with electromagnetic waves (Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation, or PMS) — helps improve the working of nerve and muscle, reduces the tremor, and increases muscle strength
- Stimulation of the brain with electromagnetic waves (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS) — a technology used to stimulate the brain directly in order to rebalance the working of the central nervous system, which helps reduce the tremor in Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders
- Gait training with a body-supporting robot (Robotic Exoskeleton Gait Training) — helps restore walking and balance in patients with neurological problems affecting movement and the shaking of the body
- Needling technique, or Western-style needling (Dry Needling) — helps release muscle tightness and reduce the pain that may come with the tremor
Whole-person and continuing care
We emphasise whole-person care for the patient: not only easing the symptoms, but also improving overall quality of life. Our team follows your symptoms regularly and adjusts the treatment plan as necessary, for the best result.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
In this section we have collected the questions most often asked about a tremor in one arm, to help you understand this symptom better.
Can a tremor in one arm be cured completely?
Whether a one-sided arm tremor can be cured completely depends on the cause. If it arises from a side effect of medicine, the symptoms usually disappear when the medicine is stopped or changed. But if it arises from Parkinson's disease or essential tremor, it may not be curable, though it can be controlled with appropriate treatment. Treatment may include medication, physiotherapy, or in some cases surgery, such as implanting a deep brain stimulator.
If left for a long time, will it spread to the other side?
Whether it spreads to the other side depends on the cause of the tremor. In Parkinson's disease, the symptoms usually begin on one side and then gradually spread to the other as the disease progresses. In essential tremor, although it may begin on one side, it usually develops into shaking on both sides in the end. But in a stroke or a head injury, the symptoms are usually limited to one side, following the area of the brain affected.
Summary
A tremor in one arm may be a warning sign of a neurological disease, such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, stroke, or a brain tumour. Observing the character of the tremor and any accompanying symptoms helps in diagnosing and treating it appropriately. If a one-sided arm tremor appears suddenly, or comes with other symptoms such as limb weakness, facial droop, or slurred speech, you should see a doctor at once or call 1669. Early diagnosis and treatment increases the chance of recovery and reduces the risk of long-term disability.
At PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic we have specialist physicians in rehabilitation medicine ready to advise and plan treatment for pain and disorders of the nervous system and muscles, with modern technology, so that you can return to living with quality again.