Post-traumatic tremors are the involuntary shaking that follows a shocking or distressing event, often manifesting as a physical sign of an overwhelmed nervous system. A fundamental question for those experiencing them is whether the shaking will stop. The answer depends heavily on the specific cause, which can range from an immediate, temporary biological reaction to a persistent physical symptom linked to an enduring psychological condition. Understanding the mechanism behind the shaking is the first step toward resolution.
The Mechanism Behind Post-Traumatic Tremors
The body’s immediate response to a threat is the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, often called the “fight or flight” response. This system floods the body with stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, preparing muscles for intense action. This preparation results in a buildup of physical tension and excess energy. This acute tension can manifest as involuntary, rhythmic shaking, which is the body’s natural attempt to discharge stored energy and return to a state of calm.
These psychogenic or functional tremors are distinct from those caused by structural damage to the brain, such as following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While TBI-induced tremors result from damage to motor control centers, psychogenic tremors are a response to psychological trauma and nervous system overload. The shaking is often characterized by an abrupt onset, variable frequency, and a tendency to decrease when the person is distracted. This type of tremor is often a sign that the body is attempting to complete the biological survival response that was interrupted or suppressed during the traumatic event.
Factors Determining Duration and Resolution
Whether post-traumatic tremors resolve depends largely on the duration of nervous system dysregulation. Acute tremors, which appear immediately after an isolated shocking event, are often self-limiting. They typically resolve within hours or days as the nervous system successfully processes the threat and settles back into a regulated state.
Persistence beyond the acute phase often indicates the body remains in a state of hyperarousal, a common symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Studies on psychogenic tremors show that the mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis can be several years, suggesting chronicity if the underlying trauma is not addressed. Persistence is influenced by the severity of the original trauma, any history of prior trauma, and the individual’s capacity for nervous system regulation.
The prognosis is often linked to the duration of symptoms before effective treatment begins. Individuals who receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment shortly after onset tend to have a better outcome than those whose symptoms persist for many years. A favorable long-term outcome is strongly associated with the elimination of ongoing stressors and the perception that the treatment received is effective.
Treatment Strategies for Persistent Tremors
When tremors do not resolve naturally, they require a comprehensive approach focused on regulating the nervous system and processing stored trauma. Trauma-focused psychotherapies are highly effective because they specifically target the root cause of nervous system dysregulation.
Trauma-Focused Psychotherapies
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-centered approach that gently guides individuals to track and release the physical sensations of trauma stored in the body. The goal is to allow the nervous system to complete its interrupted survival response, thereby restoring balance without requiring the person to relive the overwhelming event.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy uses bilateral stimulation, such as rhythmic eye movements, to help the brain reprocess and integrate traumatic memories. This process reduces the emotional intensity and physical distress linked to the trauma.
Self-Regulation Techniques
In addition to trauma therapy, physical and self-regulation techniques empower the individual to manage daily symptoms. Simple practices like controlled, deep diaphragmatic breathing and grounding exercises help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for “rest and digest,” counteracting the sympathetic “fight or flight” state. Controlled physical movement, such as yoga or specific movement exercises, assists the body in discharging residual energy and tension.
While there is no single medication approved to eliminate psychogenic tremors, doctors may prescribe certain medications to address underlying co-occurring conditions. Beta-blockers or anti-anxiety medications are sometimes used to manage the intense anxiety and hyperarousal associated with PTSD, which in turn can reduce the severity of the tremor. However, these medications are generally considered management tools for the associated symptoms rather than a cure for the trauma-induced nervous system imbalance.