Involuntary hand movements can translate to uncontrollable tremors or shaky hands. The tremors are usually side effects of underlying diseases, physical or mental stress, or injury. While the causes of these motions may differ, they can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and ability to perform everyday tasks. Figuring out the root cause can help diagnose and manage this condition effectively. Here are some common causes that lead to involuntary hand movements.

Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a well-known condition associated with hand tremors. This progressive neurological disorder affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls movement and coordination. As dopamine levels decrease, individuals with Parkinson’s disease often experience tremors, which commonly start in one hand and progress over time to both hands. These tremors tend to occur at rest and may worsen with stress.

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
This neurological disorder is the result of being exposed to certain treatments for a prolonged duration. Its management mainly involves getting the person off the treatment. Hand tremors and facial tics are common symptoms of TD. If one experiences this symptom while undergoing any treatments, one is advised to seek immediate professional intervention.

Tics
Tics are sudden, rapid, repetitive muscle movements that can affect various parts of the body, including the hands. Conditions like Tourette’s syndrome are known for causing both motor and vocal tics, which can manifest as uncontrollable hand jerks or twitches.

Weakness or exhaustion
Muscle weakness, whether due to an underlying health condition or overexertion, can cause one’s hands to tremble. Weakness in the muscles that control hand movements can result in involuntary motions.

Stroke
In some cases, a stroke can lead to involuntary hand movements. A stroke occurs when there is a disruption in blood flow to the brain, which can lead to motor deficits, including tremors in the hands.

Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep can affect one’s brain function and trigger the brain to send disruptive signals to the body, which can often cause shaky hands.

Low blood sugar levels
When the blood sugar drops due to any reason, like diabetes or lack of food, it can affect one’s nerves and muscles and cause trembling.

Anxiety
Anxiety is characterized by excessive stress, and it can trigger a range of physical symptoms, including trembling hands or sweating palms. One may experience anxiety-related hand tremors during periods of heightened stress or panic.

Lack of oxygen supply to the brain
Insufficient oxygen supply to the brain is technically referred to as cerebral hypoxia. It can be caused by several factors, including suffocation, traumatic brain injuries, seizures, carbon monoxide poisoning, or respiratory failure. Hypoxia can lead to involuntary hand movements. In worse cases, it can cause brain damage. In children, hypoxia, triggered by any number of birth complications or respiratory issues, can cause hand tremors.

Excessive caffeine intake
Beverages like coffee and energy drinks contain caffeine, which is known to stimulate one’s nervous system and muscles. Excessive consumption of caffeine can cause jitteriness and hand tremors.

Vigorous exercise
Intense or strenuous physical activity can cause muscle fatigue, exhaustion, and trembling hands. This can be seen especially if one is working out the muscles after a long time. However, it typically subsides with rest and hydration.

Overactive thyroid
An overactive thyroid gland, a condition known as hyperthyroidism, can lead to a range of symptoms, including hand tremors. Elevated levels of thyroid hormones can accelerate the body’s metabolic rate, leading to shaky hands and other motor disturbances.