
Is It Normal For A Finger To Shake Uncontrollably? It

Question: Is it normal for a finger to shake uncontrollably? It feels like my hand is going to move on it’s own and that I’m fighting it. If I move my thumb or other finger 3-5 times against an adjacent finger, the finger I moved presents a pronounced tremor that in a matter of seconds becomes “violent” in its movement ( very strong tremor).
This started 8 weeks ago. I went to the ER and they ruled out a stroke. I see neurologist in three weeks. Its always present but every now and then it feels more like an “attack” and today is one of those days.
This started 8 weeks ago. I went to the ER and they ruled out a stroke. I see neurologist in three weeks. Its always present but every now and then it feels more like an “attack” and today is one of those days.

I am trying to understand if this is an urgent matter or if I just need to deal with it until I see this neurologist. (The ER visit was several weeks ago)
Brief Answer:
Supportive management needed till a thorough evaluation can be done
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for using the Ask a Doctor service.
I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. It is not normal for a finger to shake uncontrollably. A careful evaluation is needed and it is hard to comment without proper evaluation. A nerve cause is likely. However, taking methylcobalamine supplement (Vitamin B12) 1500 mcg daily may be of help. I would insist you to take it for a couple of months and see if it helps. I would also insist you to get your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels checked (blood test). Thereafter your doctor would be able to correlate. I think that you can wait for the time being and I am not sure whether the ER would be able to sufficiently address your problem. Nevertheless it might still be worthwhile to see a GP. Your neurologist on the other hand will be able to evaluate the condition when the time comes.
Regards
Supportive management needed till a thorough evaluation can be done
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for using the Ask a Doctor service.
I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. It is not normal for a finger to shake uncontrollably. A careful evaluation is needed and it is hard to comment without proper evaluation. A nerve cause is likely. However, taking methylcobalamine supplement (Vitamin B12) 1500 mcg daily may be of help. I would insist you to take it for a couple of months and see if it helps. I would also insist you to get your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels checked (blood test). Thereafter your doctor would be able to correlate. I think that you can wait for the time being and I am not sure whether the ER would be able to sufficiently address your problem. Nevertheless it might still be worthwhile to see a GP. Your neurologist on the other hand will be able to evaluate the condition when the time comes.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj


Thank you. Could it be the kind of a Myoclonic seizure that doesn’t end like a traditional seizure? And, if a seizure, I right that it’s still not an emergency?
Brief Answer:
Still not an emergency
Detailed Answer:
It could be a myoclonic seizure though it is unlikely. Even if it is, treatment would not be urgent. The next time it happens, be sure to video record it. It will help your doctor to correlate.
Still not an emergency
Detailed Answer:
It could be a myoclonic seizure though it is unlikely. Even if it is, treatment would not be urgent. The next time it happens, be sure to video record it. It will help your doctor to correlate.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T

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