Ask the doctor - neurological health

Read expert medical advice with doctors' questions and answers from Prima, SHE and Good Housekeeping

Click here to return to the main Ask the doctor page

 

I'm in my early forties and enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. Although I drink most nights I stick to one glass, two at the most. But my hands have started shaking a little and a friend joked that it must be the wine. Could she be right?

 A recent study found that people who have three alcoholic drinks a day double their risk of getting the ‘shakes' later in life, but it doesn't sound like you fall into that category. However, it's very important to stick to the recommended amounts - the Government's daily guideline for women is 2-3 units, which is about a standard sized glass of wine. The most likely explanation for your shaking is that you're suffering from a benign or familial tremor, which often runs in families - a parent has a 50 per cent chance of passing it on. Tremors can start at any time but get worse with age.

If you're concerned, visit your GP - there are a number of rarer conditions that can be the cause of tremors, such as Parkinson's disease or thyroid problems, but familial tremor is a much more likely option. If you're diagnosed with it, you may be prescribed betablockers to help control it and it would be advisable to avoid stimulants such as caffeine.

Dr Louise Selby, SHE (Aug 09)

 

My hands keep trembling

Over the past few months, my hands have become more shaky, and I'm terrified I might have Parkinson's disease (I'm only 43, by the way). Is there anything else it could be?
 

I would strongly advise you to see your GP - there are lots of causes more common than Parkinson's disease (especially as Parkinson's is very rare under 50), and many of them are treatable. Anxiety and low blood sugar are common causes. Low blood sugar is actually more common if you eat a lot of sugary foods - these are easily absorbed into your system, so your blood sugar rises quickly, but then drops quickly, too. Have a look at your eating habits and see if you can find a connection. Essential tremor (a term doctors use to describe trembling without a physical cause) is also very common. It tends to run in families, and usually gets worse when you're using your hands (such as picking up or holding something). An overactive thyroid gland can also cause trembling - other symptoms include weight loss, irritability, diarrhoea, and intolerance to heat.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, Good Housekeeping

 

Multiple sclerosis and stress

I’m 37 and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a few months ago. I do get quite stressed and wonder if this will make my condition worse?
 

The short answer is that we don't know, I'm afraid. There's some evidence that MS sufferers who have a lot of stress get more relapses. However, it's not clear if it's the stress itself that triggers the relapses. What I can tell you is that keeping your stress levels to a minimum makes sound sense, whether you have MS or not, so find a relaxation technique that works for you and build it into your daily routine.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, Good Housekeeping

Click here to return to the main Ask the doctor page

The answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone and are not substitutes for professional medical advice. If you're worried, see your GP.
For more information, visit www.netdoctor.co.uk