We all have a little bit of tremor called a physiologic tremor; it's natural and not usually noticeable. Tremors that aren't natural include these types:
Enhanced physiologic tremor. Caffeine use, an overactive thyroid, stress, fatigue, or sleep deprivation can intensify physiologic tremor. This tremor may show up as a postural tremor.
Medication-induced tremor. Some medications can cause tremors, such as the antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) and the anti-arrhythmic drug amiodarone (Cordarone). The resulting tremor is often postural.
Parkinsonian tremor. This resting, pill-rolling tremor can occur with or without the degenerative neurological condition Parkinson's disease.
Essential tremor. This is a benign tremor that causes involuntary shaking in various body parts, including the hands, head, and voice box. "A person with essential tremor may have a postural hand tremor or an intention tremor," Dr. Umeh says.
Cerebellar tremor. This is an intention tremor caused by damage to the cerebellum in the back of the brain, often from a stroke or multiple sclerosis. "The cerebellum helps coordinate movement, like reaching out to grasp a doorknob. Cerebellar damage can cause your hand to miss the doorknob," Dr. Umeh says.
Post-stroke tremor. After a stroke, a person can have a variety of tremors. "If there's damage to the cerebellum there can be an intention tremor. If the damage is in the basal ganglia, the person can have a resting tremor," Dr. Umeh explains.
Withdrawal tremor. People suffering alcohol withdrawal can experience postural tremors.