How it can feel
- Shaking in a hand, arm, leg or head that will not settle on command.
- Tremor that changes speed or jumps between body parts.
- Quiet moments then sudden violent shaking.
- Worse when you try hard to hold still or when people are watching.
Day to day
- Writing, eating, using phones and tools can become messy or tiring.
- Social self-consciousness is common and exhausting in its own right.
- Some people avoid cafés or public transport for fear of visible shaking.
Why this can be FND (simply)
Functional tremor is a movement programme problem in the nervous system. It is not the same as choosing to shake. It can start after injury, pain, illness or high load — or with no neat story.
What can help
- Accurate diagnosis and a clear explanation.
- Specialist physiotherapy approaches for functional movement symptoms.
- Reducing “fight the tremor” tension that can amplify it for some people.
- Task adaptation, rest breaks and supportive seating or grips.
- Addressing sleep, pain and overload that raise the volume.
This is information, not a treatment plan. Personal care decisions belong with you and your clinicians.
FAQs
Why does my tremor stop sometimes when I am distracted?
Attention and nervous-system state can change functional movement. That variability is a recognised pattern — not proof you invent the tremor.
Is functional tremor the same as Parkinson’s?
No. Different mechanisms and assessments. Only a clinician can diagnose.