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Tremor (Shaking) Due to Multiple Sclerosis

  • Intention tremor is the most common and generally most disabling form of tremor for people with MS. It generally occurs when you move and not when you are at rest. The tremor develops and becomes more pronounced if you grasp or reach for something or move your hand or foot to a precise spot. Intention tremor is also called “action tremor.”

  • You may experience this tremor when you are sitting or standing and using your muscles to resist gravity. You will not experience postural tremor while lying down.

  • Generally, this type of tremor is greatest when the body part is at rest. It’s diminished with movement. This type of tremor is less typical in MS.

occupational therapist (OT), may help with intention tremor. Pilates or yoga can also help increase core stability, improving posture, balance and alignment, and reducing tremor in the limbs.You may experience tremor after exercise, but muscle shaking after physical activity is common for people who do not have MS, too. Other causes of muscle tremor after physical activity are fatigue, dehydration and low blood sugar.

Treating and Further Prevention of Tremor in MS

Tremor is a difficult symptom to treat. Your healthcare provider may try different methods — including medications and therapies — to treat tremor.

Treatments and Medications for Tremor and Multiple Sclerosis

An occupational therapist can recommend assistive devices to aid with activities impacted by tremor, such as writing, dressing and cooking. For instance, eating and drinking can be challenging with tremor. Adding small weights to eating utensils may compensate for tremor, and using a straw for drinking may be helpful.Physical therapists can recommend treatments for maintaining mobility, preventing falls and managing your MS tremor.Some medications are used to help manage tremor in MS." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Tremor and Exercise

In general, with MS, it’s good to remain as active as possible. Inactivity can lead to muscle weakness and make tremors worse. It's important to try to prevent loss of range of motion and/or loss of muscle strength.Look into specific exercises and training to control tremor. Balance exercises may improve core stability, and “task-oriented” training, which you would practice with an occupational therapist (OT), may help with intention tremor. Pilates or yoga can also help increase core stability, improving posture, balance and alignment, and reducing tremor in the limbs.You may experience tremor after exercise, but muscle shaking after physical activity is common for people who do not have MS, too. Other causes of muscle tremor after physical activity are fatigue, dehydration and low blood sugar.

Treating and Further Prevention of Tremor in MS

Tremor is a difficult symptom to treat. Your healthcare provider may try different methods — including medications and therapies — to treat tremor.

Treatments and Medications for Tremor and Multiple Sclerosis

An occupational therapist can recommend assistive devices to aid with activities impacted by tremor, such as writing, dressing and cooking. For instance, eating and drinking can be challenging with tremor. Adding small weights to eating utensils may compensate for tremor, and using a straw for drinking may be helpful.Physical therapists can recommend treatments for maintaining mobility, preventing falls and managing your MS tremor.Some medications are used to help manage tremor in MS.

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The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is proud to be a source of information on multiple sclerosis related topics. Unless otherwise indicated, the information provided is based on professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. However, the information does not constitute medical or legal advice. For specific medical advice, consult a qualified physician. For specific legal advice, consult a qualified attorney.