Are you experiencing jittery or shaky feelings with lupus?
Feeling jittery or experiencing tremors can happen with lupus for several reasons. Some people with lupus notice uncontrollable shaking or tremors, often in the hands, arms, or legs. These movements can feel like light vibrations, muscle twitching, or more noticeable Show Full Answer
Are you experiencing jittery or shaky feelings with lupus?
Feeling jittery or experiencing tremors can happen with lupus for several reasons. Some people with lupus notice uncontrollable shaking or tremors, often in the hands, arms, or legs. These movements can feel like light vibrations, muscle twitching, or more noticeable shaking.
Common causes include:
- Lupus flare-ups affecting your nervous system
- Neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE), which affects the brain and nerves
- Autoantibodies attacking nerve cells that control movement
- Medications used to treat lupus, particularly corticosteroids like prednisone, immunosuppressants, or hydroxychloroquine
A MyLupusTeam member described it as "sometimes feel as if I'm shaking internally." Others have noticed their tremors worsen during severe flares and can last for days.
Other factors that can make shakiness worse:
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Anxiety or depression (which affect people with lupus at higher rates)
- Too much caffeine
If you've recently started new medications and noticed tremors, or if the jittery feeling is new or worsening, it's important to talk with your doctor or rheumatologist. They can help determine whether it's related to lupus activity, medication side effects, or another cause that needs attention.
March 7
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