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
Call emergency services if shaking begins suddenly with:
Weakness or numbness on one side
A drooping face or trouble speaking
Severe confusion, collapse, or a seizure
A sudden severe headache or major difficulty walking
These symptoms may indicate a stroke or another serious problem.
Do not drive yourself for emergency care.
If a person with diabetes has shaking with confusion, cannot swallow safely, becomes unconscious, or has a seizure, treat this as an emergency.
And for anyone, someone who:
has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
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 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
Urgent medical help is also appropriate if shaking follows a suspected poisoning or medicine overdose.
Seek same-day medical advice for a new tremor with fever, marked confusion, severe agitation, or a very fast heartbeat.
Shaking after suddenly stopping heavy alcohol use or a sedative medicine also needs urgent assessment because withdrawal can become dangerous.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if the tremor:
Persists, worsens, or keeps returning
Affects eating, drinking, writing, work, or personal care
Started after a new medicine or dose change
Comes with stiffness, slowed movement, balance problems, or weight loss
Is causing distress or making you avoid activities
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tremor or shaking hands. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.