Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek urgent or emergency help for a tremor that begins suddenly with facial drooping, one-sided weakness or numbness, severe difficulty speaking, sudden loss of coordination, a severe new headache, collapse, or loss of consciousness.
Shaking accompanied by severe agitation, heavy sweating, hallucinations, confusion, or a seizure after stopping alcohol or a sedating medicine also needs emergency assessment.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
These are not typical features of hereditary essential tremor and may indicate a stroke or another urgent condition.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you develop a persistent tremor, even when relatives have similar symptoms.
An assessment can check whether the pattern fits essential tremor and whether medicines or another health condition could be contributing.
Routine follow-up is also appropriate if:
Tremor is gradually worsening or affecting daily tasks
You develop stiffness, slowed movement, falls, or coordination problems
Treatment is not helping enough
A medicine causes troublesome side effects
Tremor is affecting work, eating, communication, or emotional well-being
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hereditary benign tremor. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.