A rigor is an episode of shaking or exaggerated shivering which can occur with a high fever. It is an extreme reflex response which occurs for a variety of reasons. It should not be ignored, as it is often a marker for significant and sometimes serious infections most often bacterial.
It is important to recognise the patient's description of a rigor and to be aware of the possible significance of this important symptom. Shivering is a reflex which occurs when someone feels cold and, physiologically, it serves to raise body temperature [ 1 ]. The trigger point at which this reflex occurs is set in the anterior hypothalamus.
This has been likened to an internal thermostat. During infection or inflammation, pyrogens cytokines and prostaglandins 'reset' the trigger temperature so that the body feels cold and shaking occurs to raise temperature to the new hypothalamic 'temperature point'.
The body's attempts to raise temperature are accompanied by other familiar reflex responses, including contraction of erector pilae muscles 'goose bumps' and peripheral vasoconstriction. Peripheral vasoconstriction causes cold extremities and pallor. Some people with a fever may also have signs of flu , but others will have no additional symptoms.
Drinking plenty of fluids and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs can help to reduce a temperature. If a person has other symptoms, particularly a stiff neck, rapid heartbeat, or shallow breathing, they should seek medical advice within 24 hours. If they have no other symptoms, they will only need to visit a doctor if the fever lasts for more than 3 days.
For some people, stress or mental health factors can cause shivering and other involuntary movements. This usually occurs due to a psychogenic movement disorder, which can affect any part of the body. A doctor who specializes in medical conditions affecting the brain, called a neurologist, will usually diagnose psychogenic movement disorders. They may look for the following characteristics when making a diagnosis:. There is often no underlying brain or nerve damage.
Doctors will often treat psychogenic movement disorders with a combination of mental health therapy and physical therapy. Strong emotions can cause a person to shake or shiver. This is often due to a surge of adrenaline in the body. Shivering should stop after the adrenaline leaves the body. For many people, this will happen very rarely, perhaps during a particularly exciting or frightening moment. For those who experience chronic stress, adrenaline surges and shaking can be more frequent.
Involuntary trembling, shaking, or shivering can be due to a medical condition called essential tremor. Essential tremor is a neurological condition, meaning that it relates to the brain. This condition affects approximately 10 million people in the United States and can cause trembling in the hands, legs, body, or voice.
This is a disorder that affects an area of the brain and tends to develop gradually. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.
Chills shivering are caused by rapid alternation between muscle contractions and relaxation. Chills are often, though not always, associated with fever. Sometimes, they precede the onset of fever, especially if the fever is caused by an infection. Other times, they occur without a spike in temperature. Chills may or may not be serious, depending on the underlying cause.
You may experience chills because you are in a very cold place, such as the ocean or a pool, or outside on a chilly day. You can also get chills if your clothing becomes damp or wet.
As the human body ages, it has a more difficult time regulating body temperatureTrusted Source , even in healthy older adults. Medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease can make the problem worse. These types of chills should dissipate as soon as your body warms up. However, if you experience continual shaking when you have been exposed to intense cold, you may have developed complications such as hypothermia or frostbite , which are both potentially serious.
Chills without fever may result from taking certain medications or combinations of medications. They may also occur if you take the incorrect dosage of an over-the-counter medication, herbal supplement, or prescription drug.
Always read the potential side effects information included with medication packaging. Depending on the severity, you may require medical attention. Marathon running or other forms of extreme sports that require intense physical exertion may cause changes to your core body temperature. That can result in chills. This response can happen in any type of weather but may be more likely to occur in very cold or very hot temperatures:. Speak to your GP before you stop taking any prescribed medicine.
Your doctor will want to make sure the tremor is not caused by another condition. They may also be able to offer treatment. A mild tremor that is not caused by another condition does not usually need any treatment. Your GP may want to monitor you to make sure it does not get any worse. Your GP may refer you to a specialist for further tests if your tremor could be a symptom of a condition such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
0コメント