Shaking After Surgery: Why Does it Happen?

What is Propranolol Used for? Reading Shaking After Surgery: Why Does it Happen? 7 minutes Next What Are The Side Effects of Gabapentin?

By Emile MaamaryMar 18, 2024

Find Out More About Steadi-3

Close-up of an elderly hand wearing a Steadi-3 device to help steady hand movements.

Get Steadi-3

After a surgical procedure, individuals may experience tremors, also referred to as postoperative tremors, which are involuntary shaking or trembling motions. Uncontrollable shaking after surgery may appear in different areas of the body, from generalized tremors affecting the entire body to localized hand tremors or arm tremors. In some cases, people also report long-term tremors after surgery, which require ongoing management and specialized care. Come along as we examine the causes, traits, methods of treatment, and outlook for post-surgery tremors, emphasizing the value of specialized therapies and interdisciplinary care to meet the various requirements of those impacted.

What Are After-surgery Tremors?

Tremors after surgery, or postoperative shakes, describe involuntary shaking or trembling that a patient experiences following an operation. Different body parts, including the hands, arms, legs, or even the complete body, may experience twitching after surgery. These episodes might be transient or ongoing, and they can range in severity from moderate to severe. In some cases, patients may notice long-term tremors after surgery, which can impact daily function and require ongoing management.

What Causes Shivers After Surgery?

Several factors can lead to tremors after surgery, including the type of surgical procedure, anesthesia, medication effects, physiological responses, and individual patient characteristics. Here's how some of these factors contribute to uncontrollable shaking after surgery:

Anesthesia Effects

Anesthesia is crucial for ensuring unconsciousness and pain relief during surgery. However:

Neurological side effects: Anesthesia can disrupt neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate, which regulate muscle movement, leading to potential shaking.
Recovery phase: As patients recover from anesthesia, the sudden reactivation of the nervous system can trigger twitching after surgery due to rapid neurological adjustments.

Medication Side Effects: Unraveling the Link with Postoperative Tremors

Medication side effects are a common cause of tremors after surgery, with various drugs administered during surgery potentially leading to uncontrollable shaking as an unintended reaction.

Anesthetics and neuromodulators: Agents like sevoflurane, desflurane, or propofol may alter neurotransmitter activity and trigger tremors.
Muscle relaxants: Drugs such as rocuronium may cause residual twitching.
Opioid analgesics: Morphine or fentanyl may exaggerate tremor activity.
Antibiotics: Certain classes can rarely contribute to neurological side effects including tremors.

Stress and Anxiety

Surgery is both physiologically and psychologically taxing. Elevated tension and anxiety can set off the sympathetic nervous system and release stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline, which may eventually result in twitching after surgery or temporary tremors.

Metabolic Imbalances

Changes in blood glucose, electrolyte levels, or fluid balance during and after surgery can disrupt neuromuscular excitability. Low potassium or calcium may particularly contribute to uncontrollable shaking after surgery.

How to Treat After-Surgery Tremors?

A multifaceted strategy is typically required to address tremors after surgery, focusing on symptom control, identifying underlying causes, and supporting long-term functional recovery. These tremors can vary in presentation, from brief post-anesthesia tremors to long-term tremors after surgery that persist for weeks or months. Whether the tremors are subtle or more severe, treatment is highly dependent on the individual’s medical history, surgical procedure, and current neurological status.

Medication Management

In many cases, tremors after surgery may be a side effect of certain medications used during or after the procedure. Adjusting or replacing these drugs can lead to significant symptom relief. When symptoms persist, additional pharmacologic interventions, such as beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) or anticonvulsants like primidone, may be prescribed to reduce tremor intensity. These treatments are especially helpful in patients dealing with long-term tremors after surgery, where symptoms do not resolve on their own and begin to interfere with daily life.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

Customized rehabilitation programs play an important role in addressing uncontrollable shaking after surgery. Physical therapy, stretching routines, and posture training can help mitigate muscular imbalances and improve fine motor control. These therapies are especially valuable when tremors after surgery affect a person’s ability to perform basic tasks, such as writing, dressing, or eating. By focusing on controlled movements and muscular coordination, rehabilitation efforts can help patients regain independence over time.

Stress Management and Relaxation

Emotional stress and post-operative anxiety can often worsen physical symptoms such as tremors or contribute to episodes of uncontrollable shaking after surgery. While managing stress does not treat the underlying neurological cause of tremors, it can help reduce their frequency and severity in some individuals. Structured psychological support, including guided behavioral techniques and professional counseling, can assist patients in building resilience and navigating the emotional challenges that may arise after surgery. In patients experiencing long-term tremors after surgery, these strategies are particularly important, as the psychological burden of ongoing symptoms can significantly impact recovery and daily function.

Nutritional Support

In some cases, tremors may stem from or be worsened by electrolyte imbalances or vitamin deficiencies. Post-operative patients, especially those recovering from lengthy or complex surgeries, should be monitored for nutritional gaps. Replenishing key nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, or B vitamins, can improve neuromuscular stability and reduce tremors after surgery, particularly in cases where dietary insufficiency may be a contributing factor.

Psychotherapy and Counseling

Addressing psychological conditions like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress can be a crucial part of managing long-term tremors after surgery. These tremors may be both physically and emotionally disruptive, and untreated mental health challenges can exacerbate motor symptoms. Psychotherapy provides a safe space for patients to explore emotional reactions to surgery and to build coping mechanisms for uncontrollable shaking after surgery that interferes with quality of life.

So, Does It Go Away?

The prognosis varies. Many tremors after surgery are temporary and resolve as the body heals. However, some patients may develop long-term tremors after surgery that persist and require continuous care. Consulting neurologists or movement disorder specialists is recommended for ongoing symptoms.

Embracing Stability with Steadiwear

We are dedicated to enhancing the lives of those experiencing tremors after surgery through our advanced solutions. Our signature product, the Steadi-3 glove, epitomizes this commitment by incorporating stabilization technology to provide critical support for individuals dealing with uncontrollable shaking after surgery, Essential Tremor, or Parkinson’s Disease.

Our glove features an innovative counterweight system that actively responds to involuntary movements, helping stabilize the hand during tasks and reducing fatigue often associated with twitching after surgery.

By choosing Steadiwear, individuals gain not only a product but access to a supportive community. Continuous feedback and innovation ensure our products meet the evolving needs of those living with long-term tremors after surgery.

Conclusion

It's critical for those experiencing tremors after surgery to consult medical professionals to determine the underlying cause and best treatment. Many individuals improve with timely intervention, but if symptoms persist or worsen, additional specialist evaluation is necessary. Addressing uncontrollable shaking after surgery early can greatly improve recovery outcomes and quality of life.

FAQs

What Are the Most Common Types of Surgeries That Might Result in Postoperative Tremors?

Postoperative tremors are primarily seen in surgeries that involve significant manipulation or proximity to the central nervous system, such as brain surgeries, spinal operations, or procedures that involve major nerves. These tremors can also occur after general surgical procedures, influenced by factors like the surgical environment, stress, and the body's response to anesthesia and medication. In some cases, patients may notice long-term tremors after surgery, especially when recovery involves extensive healing or nerve sensitivity.

Understanding which surgeries are prone to such outcomes helps in preparing both medical teams and patients for managing and mitigating these effects. In particular, surgeries that involve prolonged exposure to anesthesia or extensive physical manipulation tend to have a higher incidence oftremors after surgery, necessitating careful postoperative monitoring and management.

Are There Specific Anesthesia Techniques That Reduce the Risk of Tremors After Surgery?

Yes, certain anesthesia techniques can help minimize the risk of postoperative tremors. Local and regional anesthesia, which limit the area of numbness and do not affect the entire body, are associated with fewer tremors after surgery compared to general anesthesia. These methods are preferred when feasible, based on the type of surgery and patient condition, to reduce systemic impacts.

Anesthesiologists play a crucial role in selecting the most appropriate type of anesthesia, balancing the need for pain management with the potential side effects, including uncontrollable shaking after surgery. Advances in anesthesia techniques continue to evolve, focusing on optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing adverse effects.

How Long Do Post-surgery Tremors Typically Last?

The duration of tremors after surgery varies significantly among patients, depending primarily on the individual's health status, the type of surgery, and the anesthesia used. While most tremors are transient, lasting from a few hours to a few days, they can extend longer, especially if linked to more complex neurological or metabolic disturbances.

Continuous monitoring and appropriate interventions are essential to manage these symptoms effectively. For patients whose tremors persist beyond the immediate postoperative period, further evaluation may be needed to address underlying issues or adjust ongoing treatments. In rare cases, individuals may experiencelong-term tremors after surgery, requiring specialized management strategies.

Can Nutritional Interventions Help Manage Postoperative Tremors?

Nutritional support plays a vital role in the recovery process and can influence the occurrence and severity of tremors after surgery. Ensuring that patients receive adequate electrolytes, such as magnesium and potassium, is crucial because these minerals support nerve function and muscle control. A well-balanced diet rich in these nutrients, possibly supplemented by specific formulations as needed, can help stabilize the patient’s condition and reduce tremor episodes.

Nutritionists and healthcare providers should collaborate to tailor dietary plans that support overall health and address specific recovery needs, enhancing the healing process and mitigating complications liketwitching after surgery.

What Role Does Physical Therapy Play in Recovering from Postoperative Tremors?

Physical therapy is an essential component of recovery for patients experiencing tremors after surgery, particularly those affecting motor skills and coordination. Customized therapy programs aimed at strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing motor control are critical in reducing the impact of tremors on daily activities.

Physical therapists work closely with surgical and medical teams to develop rehabilitation plans that address the specific needs of each patient, facilitating quicker recovery and return to normal function. Through targeted exercises and therapeutic techniques, physical therapy helps rebuild strength and independence, significantly improving outcomes for patients dealing with uncontrollable shaking after surgery.