Treatment FAQ

when under cancer treatment what causes the body to shake uncontrollably

by Dr. Trudie Murphy II Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

What could cause me to have the shakes after chemo?

For me, it was most likely a combination of the chemo, dehydration, and low-ish blood pressure. Does your mom tend to have low blood pressure? That can also contribute to the shakes, especially when also dehydrated. I hope your mom feels better and has no more of those scary episodes. Had a 'lite' version......

Why is my body shaking?

Here, the commonly noted causes relate to the presence of certain conditions such as stroke, brain tumour, and multiple sclerosis. Knowing the reasons for your body shaking will be the best thing that you can do to get the necessary medical care at the earliest.

Why do I have uncontrollable shakes?

The uncontrollable shaking could be due to an illness, and there are a number of common ones that can bring on the shivering. Food poisoning and infections like toxoplasmosis can bring on the shakes as can urinary tract infections. 3. Feeling Cold

Why does my body shake when I stop drinking alcohol?

Alcohol withdrawal: If you are one among those persons who are trying to quit alcohol consumption, the reasons for body shaking can be the withdrawal symptoms. It is recommended to take medical assistance if you experience severe and uncontrollable tremors as a part of the withdrawal symptoms.

What causes a cancer patient to shake?

Chemotherapy can damage your nervous system. You may notice tingling or a lack of feeling in your hands or feet, or shaking or trembling. These problems usually get better after treatment.

What does it mean when a body part shakes uncontrollably?

The type a person experiences can sometimes indicate the cause. Sometimes, body tremors are due to an underlying neurological condition, such as stroke, Parkinson's Disease, or multiple sclerosis. However, they may also be a side effect of medications, anxiety, fatigue, or stimulant use.

What causes uncontrolled shakes?

Heightened emotion, stress, fever, physical exhaustion, or low blood sugar may trigger tremor and/or increase its severity. Though the tremor can start at any age, it most often appears for the first time during adolescence or in middle age (between ages 40 and 50).

Can cancer cause body tremors?

Yes, brain tumors can cause hand tremors, among other symptoms. Tremors are a type of involuntary movement that may affect the hands, head, arms, torso, and the body's equilibrium.

How do you stop your body from shaking?

Ways to stop shiveringStop thinking about it. This might be easier said than done but distracting your mind by focusing on something else can help.Wear a hat. ... Wear warm gloves and socks. ... Drink a hot beverage. ... Move around. ... Keep hand/feet warmers on hand.

How do you stop body tremors?

TreatmentBeta blockers. Typically used to treat high blood pressure, beta blockers such as propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran XL, Hemangeol) help relieve tremors in some people. ... Anti-seizure medications. ... Tranquilizers. ... OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injections.

What medications cause tremors?

Drugs that can cause tremor include the following:Cancer medicines such as thalidomide and cytarabine.Seizure medicines such as valproic acid (Depakote) and sodium valproate (Depakene)Asthma medicines such as theophylline and albuterol.Immune suppressing medicines such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus.More items...•

What happens when cancer spreads to the nervous system?

Depending on the location of the tumor in the nervous system, symptoms may include: Balance and gait problems. Confusion. Headaches.

How do you know when cancer is getting worse?

The following are signs and symptoms that suggest a person with cancer may be entering the final weeks of life: Worsening weakness and exhaustion. A need to sleep much of the time, often spending most of the day in bed or resting. Weight loss and muscle thinning or loss.

What end stage cancer feels like?

It might take hours or days. The dying person will feel weak and sleep a lot. When death is very near, you might notice some physical changes such as changes in breathing, loss of bladder and bowel control and unconsciousness. It can be emotionally very difficult to watch someone go through these physical changes.

How to treat tremors in the brain?

Deep brain stimulation is the most common surgical treatment for tremor. The procedure involves surgically implanting electrodes into the thalamus. A surgeon attaches electrodes to a device called a pulse generator, which they implant in a person’s chest.

What is a tremor?

Diagnosis. Treatment. Risk factors. When to see a doctor. Summary. A body tremor is an involuntary muscle contraction with a rhythmic pattern that causes shaking in one or more body parts. This article outlines the different types of body tremors and their causes.

What are the two categories of tremors?

Categories of tremors. Resting and action tremors are involuntary muscle contractions, which may signify an underlying medical condition. Medical experts classify body tremors into two categories. These categories are resting tremors and action tremors.

What is cerebellar tremor?

A cerebellar tremor occurs when a person is about to complete a purposeful movement. For example, a person may experience this type of tremor when bringing a fork to their mouth. A cerebellar tremor is low in frequency and high in amplitude.

What is a kinetic tremor?

Kinetic tremor: Shaking occurs with any type of voluntary movement.

Why is PT called a tremor?

Doctors sometimes refer to PT as “pill-rolling tremor” because the motion resembles rolling pills or other small items between the fingers. In time, the tremor may progress to the forearm.

Where do resting tremors occur?

Resting tremors occur in a body part that is relaxed and completely supported by gravity. For example, a person may experience a resting tremor in their hands when the hands are resting on their lap.

What causes a shivering sensation?

10. Poison. While not a natural cause, poisons both chemical and those found in nature (like in spiders, snakes, etc) can affect the nervous system to a point that it causes the body to shiver and quake uncontrollably. These are just some of the more common causes of uncontrollable shivering.

Why does my blood sugar go down?

It can also be caused by hypoglycemia, a low blood sugar condition caused by diabetes. Regardless of the cause of the low blood sugar, it can cause uncontrollable shivering.

How to stop shivering when you are stressed?

If you are getting your uncontrollable shivers due to stress and anxiety, a natural way of helping deal with that stress is to try meditation. Clearing your mind and thoughts can help reduce your stress and anxiety and then reduce your shivering.

How to get rid of shivers?

2. A Good Night’s Sleep. If these shivers are a semi-common thing, a good night’s sleep can help set the shiver aside. Getting plenty of sleep can help the body rejuvenate and deal with illnesses, infections, and other causes of uncontrollable shivering.

How to stop tremors from a cold?

Hydration. Keeping yourself well hydrated can prevent anybody tremors that might be brought on by dehydration. 5. Steam Treatment. Steam can help warm up the body, as well as possibly help with the symptoms of causes of uncontrollable shivering like colds or the flu.

What is it called when you shiver?

Most of us have had it from time to time, but you may never have really thought about why it happens. Uncontrollable shivering is also called rigor, and is characterized by trembling and shivering that is essentially uncontrollable. It comes on suddenly and doesn’t want to go away.

Why is it so hard to regulate temperature?

When you’re dehydrated, the body has a hard time trying to regulate your temperature due to the lack of fluids.

How to stop a shaved rectum from bleeding?

Be extra careful when using sharp objects. Use an electric shaver, not a razor. Use lotion and a lip balm to prevent dry, chapped skin and lips. Tell your doctor or nurse if you are constipated or notice bleeding from your rectum. Care for bleeding or bruising.

How to prevent bleeding from platelet count?

You may also be advised to limit or avoid alcohol if your platelet count is low. Take extra care to prevent bleeding. Brush your teeth gently, with a very soft toothbrush. Wear shoes, even when you are inside.

Does chemotherapy cause bleeding?

Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising. These treatments can lower the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are the cells that help your blood to clot and stop bleeding.

Can thrombocytopenia cause bruising?

Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment. Some types of chemotherapy can make it easier for a person to bruise and bleed. Talk with your doctor to learn what signs to call about. Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.

What is it called when you shake your body?

Essential Tremor. Essential tremor is a brain condition that causes a part of your body to shake uncontrollably. This unintentional shaking motion is called a tremor. The hands and forearms are the most commonly affected areas.

Why does my voice sound shaky?

Tremors in the tongue or voice box can make your voice sound shaky when you’re speaking. Tremors in your core, legs, and feet can cause problems with balance. They can also affect your gait (the way you walk). Certain factors may make your tremors temporarily worse, including: emotional stress. fatigue.

How do doctors diagnose tremors?

Doctors diagnose essential tremor by observing the tremors and by ruling out other causes. Your doctor may perform a physical exam to evaluate your tremors. They might also perform imaging tests to determine whether you have an underlying condition that’s causing your tremors, like a stroke or a tumor.

What is it called when you have a family history of essential tremors?

When there’s a family history of essential tremor, sometimes it’s a condition called familial tremor. With familial tremor, your child has a 50 percent chance of developing essential tremor if you already live with it.

How many people have essential tremors?

Essential tremor is a fairly common disorder, affecting approximately 7 million people in the United States. It isn’t life-threatening and doesn’t cause any serious health problems, although the shaking may make daily activities, like eating and drinking, difficult.

What causes essential tremors?

The exact cause of essential tremor is unknown. Scientists haven’t found any absolute genetic or environmental causes, and no cellular defect has been linked to the condition.

How to stop shaking hands?

You can go to physical therapy to improve coordination and muscle control. Botox injections can also be done in your hands to weaken the muscles and minimize or stop shaking.

Why do people with cancer have pain?

Pain can make you feel irritable, sleep poorly, decrease your appetite, and decrease your concentration, among many other things.

What is the meaning of fatigue in cancer?

Fatigue. Fatigue is the feeling of being tired and not being able to do things at your usual pace. This tiredness can affect you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Cancer-related fatigue is often defined as an unusual and ongoing sense of extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest.

How to get rid of fatigue?

Plan activities around the times you feel the best and have the most energy. Sit outside, listen to music, go for a ride in the car, spend time watching a meal being prepared – distractions and stimulation of your senses may help ease fatigue.

Why is it so hard to eat?

Changes in taste and smell, dry mouth, stomach and bowel changes, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation – these are just a few of the things that make it harder to eat. Drug side effects, stress, and spiritual distress are also possible causes of poor appetite.

How to be safe when you are tired?

Keep safe when you’re active. If you’re unsteady on your feet, make sure you have help when walking. You may feel safer if you have a walker or wheelchair. Your doctor or hospice team can help you get the equipment you need to be comfortable and safe. If you're shaky, don't use sharp utensils or other things that might cause injury. If you're able to drive, be careful to not drive when you are feeling fatigue.

How to manage fatigue?

Another step is to try to prevent more fatigue by carefully balancing rest and activity. If you feel tired, stop and rest.

Is it normal to feel bad at the end of life?

It's important to know that each person's experience is different. It’s not always normal to feel bad, and there are often things that can be done to help you feel better.

Why is it important to mention other symptoms?

Other symptoms and your responses to your doctor’s questions are very helpful in deciding the best course of treatment.

What is a tremor?

Tremors. Tremors are rhythmic movements of a body part. They’re due to sporadic muscle contractions. According to the Stanford School of Medicine, most people experience tremors in response to factors such as: However, tremors may also occur with more serious underlying conditions, such as:

What is involuntary movement?

Overview. An involuntary movement occurs when you move your body in an uncontrollable and unintended way. These movements can be anything from quick, jerking tics to longer tremors and seizures. You can experience these movements in almost any part of the body, including: neck. face.

What to do if your child is uncontrollable?

Make an appointment with your doctor if you or your child are experiencing persistent, uncontrollable body movements and you’re unsure of the cause. If you don’t already have a doctor, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you find a physician in your area.

Why is Kernicterus rare?

Kernicterus is now rarely seen in the United States due to routine bilirubin screening of all newborns.

Can uncontrollable movements in one area of the body subside?

Uncontrollable movements in one or more areas of the body may quickly subside in some cases. In others, these movements are an ongoing problem and may worsen over time.

Is there a medication that has shown efficacy?

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), there are a few medications that have shown some efficacy. You should talk with your doctor to determine which treatment is right for you.

Why does my brain shake?

Stroke is one of the major reasons for body shaking due to the lesions or damage to the cerebellum. Traumatic brain injury (TBI): This refers to the traumatic injury of the brain due to an external force or device.

What is tremors in the body?

By Asha Das. on June 7, 2014. Tremors are involuntary rhythmic movements of any specific body part such as hands, arms, head and voice box (larynx). Tremors, if not treated at the right time, can become really serious so much that you will not be able to perform your daily tasks.

What causes tremors when you hold a hand?

Here, the commonly noted causes relate to the presence of certain conditions such as stroke, brain tumour, and multiple sclerosis.

Can you get shakes while sleeping?

It is recommended to take medical assistance if you experience severe and uncontrollable tremors as a part of the withdrawal symptoms. Sleep disorders: There are various problems associated with sleep disorders that cause body shaking while sleeping.

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