Often a certain neurological condition will produce a specific type of trembling or shaking also known as a “tremor.” The location and number of cycles per second which a patient shakes is typically consistent depending upon the type of ailment. With MS, however, tremor varies in terms of speed, severity, location, and duration. Tending to come and go, MS tremors may affect the limbs, trunk, head, or even one’s voice and speech.
Tremors from MS may simply be annoying or they can be extremely disabling. An affected area may experience tremor while at rest, or may shake only when a purposeful movement is made. “Oscillations” (back and forth motion) may be observed with “gross tremor,” while others may experience “fine tremor,” where shaking is barely perceptible. In such instances, minor adjustments to the posture, such as holding one’s arm close to the body, may be enough to make the condition tolerable.