Shaky hands - what should I do ?

[skyrocket]

Hi there,

I've been having shaky hands for about three years now -- simply put, my hands aren't stable as they used to be. The tremor tends to lower down when I'm totally relaxed, but also tends to increase it's intensity during temeprature extremes (too warm, too cold). But anyhow, they aren't stable as they used to be at all. However, it hasn't made me any problems when doing tasks which require using hands -- I can do anything. It's just that I have the feeling that if I start doing something, they will start to shake.

I've been taking Metoprolol (beta-blocker) for about a year now (hypertension) but it didn't help with my tremor.

I am extremely depressed with this because I'm having thoughts of leaving dental school and choosing something else -- not related to health /or where I don't have to have precise hands/. That's killing me to tell you the thruth...

I am probably going to visit a neurologist tomorrow, but I'm afraid of what he will say... Darn.

Any of you have a similar problem? Can a dentist have shaky hands?

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[mrduckyquacks]

I'd say everything is fine as long as you don't have very severe genetic tremors.

I have some trouble keeping my hands completely still and I feel a bit shaky at times however when I sit down to draw my hands are as steady as can be. I think that when you get used to doing something over and over again you will find that your hands seem to steady themselves.

When I was practicing with sutures for our lab surgeries I was pretty nervous and my hands felt very shaky. However, my hands eventually steadied the more I practiced and got used to the motions.

 

[classof2013]

Hi there,

I've been having shaky hands for about three years now -- simply put, my hands aren't stable as they used to be. The tremor tends to lower down when I'm totally relaxed, but also tends to increase it's intensity during temeprature extremes (too warm, too cold). But anyhow, they aren't stable as they used to be at all. However, it hasn't made me any problems when doing tasks which require using hands -- I can do anything. It's just that I have the feeling that if I start doing something, they will start to shake.

I've been taking Metoprolol (beta-blocker) for about a year now (hypertension) but it didn't help with my tremor.

I am extremely depressed with this because I'm having thoughts of leaving dental school and choosing something else -- not related to health /or where I don't have to have precise hands/. That's killing me to tell you the thruth...

I am probably going to visit a neurologist tomorrow, but I'm afraid of what he will say... Darn.

Any of you have a similar problem? Can a dentist have shaky hands?

Sorry to hear your problem, I had a similar problem with shaky hands about 3 years ago then I realized that my shaky hands were due to high Co2 concentration in my blood and how it affected my nervous system. So I completely eliminated carbonated beverages from my diet anf I have not had any problems with shaky hands since. If you drink sodas or other carbonated fluids, cut them out completely and stop taking those beta-blockers (if you don't need them) I think they might be affecting your nervous release of acetylcholine, which may be a reason you are shaking as well. If the shaking increases during precision activities such as pouring medication into a T-spoon etc then I think its due to Co2 concentrations (not a doctor). Try this out and I am certain it will work otherwise do consult a neurologist. Hope that helps and do not leave dental school because of it. Good luck.👍

 

[joh020340]

Sorry to hear your problem, I had a similar problem with shaky hands about 3 years ago then I realized that my shaky hands were due to high Co2 concentration in my blood and how it affected my nervous system. So I completely eliminated carbonated beverages from my diet anf I have not had any problems with shaky hands since. If you drink sodas or other carbonated fluids, cut them out completely and stop taking those betablockers thet are affecting your nervous release of acetylcholine,, which may be a reason you are shaking as well. If the shaking increases during precision activities such as pouring medication into a T-spoon etc then its due to Co2. Try this out and I am certain it will work otherwise do consult a neurologist. Hope that helps and do not leave dental school because of it. Good luck.👍

I would suggest he receive medical advise from a professional, not a pre-professional student. Telling someone to stop taking medication is not something to suggest if you have no idea of the situation especially with no background knowledge.

 

[tinman831]

Please don't offer medical advice. The OP simply asked if it's possible for a dentist to have shaky hands, not how to deal with it. It's against SDN's TOS to solicit/provide medical advice, but I'll leave this thread open for now.

 

[Lidopaine82]

Sorry to hear your problem, I had a similar problem with shaky hands about 3 years ago then I realized that my shaky hands were due to high Co2 concentration in my blood and how it affected my nervous system. So I completely eliminated carbonated beverages from my diet anf I have not had any problems with shaky hands since. If you drink sodas or other carbonated fluids, cut them out completely and stop taking those beta-blockers (if you don't need them) I think they might be affecting your nervous release of acetylcholine, which may be a reason you are shaking as well. If the shaking increases during precision activities such as pouring medication into a T-spoon etc then I think its due to Co2 concentrations (not a doctor). Try this out and I am certain it will work otherwise do consult a neurologist. Hope that helps and do not leave dental school because of it. Good luck.👍

That's just about the dumbest thing I've heard in a while. Ever consider the caffeine?? Can you explain how drinking pop can make you alkalotic? Can you explain why you are advising him to discontinue medication?

 

[skyrocket]

Thank you for your replies.

Can't be Co2 because I'm not taking carbonated drinks at all. I don't drink alcohol, I don't smoke, I don't drink cofeine. The shaking started before I started taking Metoprolol. Of course I won't stop using my drug before consulting my doctor...

I'm suspecting "essential tremor" -- What do you think?

I guess everyone can "learn" the moves with time and learn to "control" hands -- but then again... A dentist with shaky hands?

 

[doc3232]

That's just about the dumbest thing I've heard in a while. Ever consider the caffeine?? Can you explain how drinking pop can make you alkalotic? Can you explain why you are advising him to discontinue medication?

hahaha, caffeine makes me shake like crazy sometimes...
to the OP, go to your doctor, I am not giving medical advice, but just saying that some drugs work and some don't (personal experience).
try not to give up hope yet.
GOOD LUCK

 

[classof2013]

That's just about the dumbest thing I've heard in a while. Ever consider the caffeine?? Can you explain how drinking pop can make you alkalotic? Can you explain why you are advising him to discontinue medication?

I apologize I was merely trying to help, I offered my experience that I had and CLEARLY pointed out that I AM NOT A DOCTOR. Sorry if I offended you though this matter is none of your business. I think the OP is a sensible person and knows how to make his own decisions.

 

[tinman831]

I apologize I was merely trying to help, I offered my experience that I had and CLEARLY pointed out that I AM NOT A DOCTOR. Sorry if I offended you though this matter is none of your business. I think the OP is a sensible person and knows how to make his own decisions.

Even if you were a doctor, posting medical advice is strictly against SDN's terms of service. You're not allowed to ask/provide medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, etc....

And to everyone, the OP simply asked if it's possible for a dentist to have shaky hands. That is all.

 

[UCSF2012]

Even if you were a doctor, posting medical advice is strictly against SDN's terms of service. You're not allowed to ask/provide medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, etc....

And to everyone, the OP simply asked if it's possible for a dentist to have shaky hands. That is all.

What's the limit of giving "medical advice"? There are lots of suggestions of lifestyle changes like not drinking sodas, but that's hardly medical advice. It's like saying, "You're fat. Go run...oops, that's medical advice because it deals with fatty acid metabolism and is therefore medical advice." I think people can suggest certain things.

Granted, that comment on discontinuing medication was uncalled for. He overstepped the bounds of what advice a person can offer without being unethical.

 

[OMFS08]

What's the limit of giving "medical advice"? There are lots of suggestions of lifestyle changes like not drinking sodas, but that's hardly medical advice. It's like saying, "You're fat. Go run...oops, that's medical advice because it deals with fatty acid metabolism and is therefore medical advice." I think people can suggest certain things.

Granted, that comment on discontinuing medication was uncalled for. He overstepped the bounds of what advice a person can offer without being unethical.

Hello there UCSF, I certainly agree with you. There is a thin line between giving advice from experience and actually giving "medical advice." I guess the rules are stringent to the point where one ought to excercise extreme caution before speaking. Well I think he gave good advice minus the "stop taking meds" part but hey I'm not the admin so try to adhere to the rules classof2013. 😉