Why Do Tremors Occur in Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is often associated with shaking, yet many people are left wondering why tremors happen in the first place. Tremors can be one of the most noticeable and confusing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. They may appear suddenly, worsen with stress, improve with movement, or vary from day to day — which can feel unpredictable and concerning. Understanding why tremors occur can help bring clarity to what is happening inside the brain.

🎥 Watch the video explanation below

Video: Why Do Tremors Occur in Parkinson’s Disease?👉 [https://youtu.be/BEvEPmy2G7A?si=Yvz0HFYdREHy8ohY]

What Is a Parkinson’s Tremor?

A Parkinson’s tremor is most often:

• A resting tremor

• Present when the limb is relaxed and supported

• Reduced or absent during purposeful movement

• Commonly beginning on one side of the body

This type of tremor differs from essential tremor or shaking related to anxiety or fatigue.

The Brain Structure Involved: The Basal Ganglia

Tremors in Parkinson’s disease originate deep within the brain in a group of structures known as the basal ganglia.

The basal ganglia are responsible for:

• Initiating movement

• Stopping movement

• Regulating movement speed

• Coordinating smooth and efficient motion

• Suppressing unwanted or excessive movement

When this system functions properly, movements feel automatic and controlled.

The Role of Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that allows brain cells to communicate with one another efficiently.

In Parkinson’s disease:

• Dopamine-producing neurons gradually degenerate

• Dopamine levels decline

• Motor signals become poorly timed and disorganized

This disruption interferes with the brain’s ability to regulate movement.

Why Low Dopamine Leads to Tremors

As dopamine decreases:

• The basal ganglia lose their ability to modulate motor output

• The brain struggles to suppress unnecessary movement signals

• Abnormal rhythmic firing develops between neural circuits

These irregular signals travel from the brain to the muscles, producing involuntary shaking — recognized clinically as a tremor.

In simple terms:

The brain sends movement signals even when the body is trying to remain at rest.

Why Tremors Often Occur at Rest

A common observation is that tremors may lessen or disappear when movement begins. This happens because voluntary movement activates alternate motor pathways that temporarily override the abnormal basal ganglia signals.

Once the body returns to a relaxed state, those faulty signals can reemerge — and the tremor returns.

Why Tremors Can Fluctuate

Tremor severity may vary throughout the day and can be influenced by:

• Emotional stress

• Fatigue

• Medication timing

• Illness or dehydration

• Increased cognitive demand or multitasking

These factors help explain why tremors may worsen during stressful situations and appear reduced during calm or focused activity.

Do All Individuals With Parkinson’s Experience Tremors?

No. Approximately 20–30% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease never develop a tremor.

Parkinson’s disease can also involve:

• Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)

• Muscle stiffness or rigidity

• Balance and gait changes

• Speech and swallowing difficulties

The presence or severity of tremor does not determine overall disease progression.

Treatment Options for Tremors

Management strategies vary depending on the individual and may include:

• Dopaminergic medications, such as levodopa

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for appropriate candidates

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

• Stress regulation and sleep optimization

Treatment decisions should always be guided by a neurologist.

The Role of Speech Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease

While speech therapy does not eliminate tremors, it plays an important role in addressing:

• Reduced vocal loudness

• Changes in speech clarity

• Decreased facial expressiveness

• Swallowing safety

• Communication confidence

Evidence-based programs such as LSVT LOUD and AmpCare ESP are commonly used to support communication and swallowing function in Parkinson’s disease.

Key Takeaway

Tremors in Parkinson’s disease are not caused by weakness, anxiety, or lack of effort. They result from changes in brain signaling related to dopamine loss and basal ganglia dysfunction. Understanding the neurological basis behind tremors helps replace uncertainty with knowledge — and allows symptoms to be viewed through a medical, rather than emotional, lens.

---

▶️ Watch the full video explanation here: