Uncontrollable Hand Movements During Meals: When to Seek Medical Advice?

The hand does not move back and forth?

Hello Doctor: Recently, I noticed that my father’s hands involuntarily move back and forth while eating (for example, when he is picking up food, his hands sway back and forth) for a few seconds before returning to normal.
When I asked him about it, he mentioned that it happens sometimes but he doesn’t think much of it.
Should he see a doctor for an examination? Thank you.

Lin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/02/23

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, based on your description, involuntary shaking is typically associated with tremors or seizures.
The causes of tremors can be categorized into four types: physiological tremors, psychological tremors, essential tremors, and pathological tremors.

1.
Physiological tremors: These do not occur under normal circumstances and only manifest in specific situations such as stress, anxiety, or anger.
Other factors like medication side effects, or the consumption of beverages such as coffee, tea, or cola, also fall under physiological tremors.
2.
Psychological tremors: This type of tremor does not have a fixed pattern and treatment focuses on addressing the psychological aspects.
3.
Essential tremors: The exact cause of these tremors cannot be determined; they may be due to a unique constitution or hereditary factors.
Typically, individuals experience more shaking when holding objects, while some may tremble when writing or performing specific movements.
4.
Pathological tremors: These are caused by dysfunction in the nervous system, such as in Parkinson's disease, lesions in the midbrain, cerebellum, or basal ganglia, and metabolic abnormalities (like hypoglycemia or hyperthyroidism).
These types of tremors tend to be more persistent.
I recommend consulting a neurologist for discussion and treatment.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang, Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2019/02/23

More Info

Uncontrollable hand movements during meals can be concerning, especially when they occur frequently or interfere with daily activities. In your father's case, the involuntary movements you describe—specifically the back-and-forth motion of his hands while trying to eat—could be indicative of several underlying conditions. It’s essential to approach this situation with a thorough understanding of potential causes and the appropriate steps to take.

Firstly, these movements could be related to a neurological condition. One possibility is essential tremor, a common movement disorder that can cause rhythmic shaking, particularly during purposeful movements like eating. Another possibility is Parkinson's disease, which can manifest as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). In some cases, these movements might also be a side effect of medications or could be related to anxiety or stress, which can exacerbate tremors.

Given that your father has experienced these movements intermittently, it is advisable to monitor the frequency and duration of these episodes. If the movements become more frequent, prolonged, or are accompanied by other symptoms—such as changes in speech, balance issues, or cognitive changes—it would be prudent to seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

When considering whether to seek medical attention, here are some guidelines:
1. Frequency and Duration: If the uncontrollable movements occur more than once during meals or last longer than a few seconds, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

2. Associated Symptoms: Pay attention to any other symptoms that may accompany the hand movements, such as tremors in other parts of the body, stiffness, difficulty in initiating movements, or changes in mood or cognition.

3. Impact on Daily Life: If these movements are affecting your father's ability to eat independently or enjoy meals, this is another strong indicator that medical advice is warranted.

4. Family History: If there is a family history of neurological disorders, this could also be a factor to consider when deciding to seek medical evaluation.

5. Response to Questions: Since your father mentioned that he sometimes experiences these movements but does not seem overly concerned, it’s important to assess his overall health and any changes in his behavior or physical abilities.

In terms of next steps, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a neurologist. They can perform a comprehensive evaluation, which may include a physical examination, a review of your father's medical history, and possibly imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the involuntary movements.
In the meantime, it may be helpful to keep a diary of when these movements occur, their duration, and any other relevant details. This information can be invaluable for the healthcare provider in diagnosing the issue.

In summary, while occasional uncontrollable hand movements during meals might not be immediately alarming, they warrant attention, especially if they become more frequent or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Seeking medical advice is a proactive step to ensure your father's health and well-being.

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