Chills or shivering can reflect disruptions in temperature control, nervous system activity, or metabolism. Below are likely causes, warning signs that need urgent assessment, and practical first steps to share with a clinician.
People describe chills as a cold, shivery feeling or skin ‘gooseflesh,’ while shivering means involuntary muscle contractions. They can occur together or separately. Shivering accompanied by fever commonly suggests an infectious process; in people with neurologic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease the pattern of tremor or shaking may differ and needs specialist review.
Causes include infections (influenza or other respiratory infections), fever, exposure to cold or hypothermia, metabolic disturbances (for example low blood sugar), thyroid dysfunction, anxiety or panic episodes, and side effects of some medications. Neurologic or autonomic disorders may also cause altered temperature sensations or tremor. Determining the cause requires clinical assessment and sometimes laboratory or imaging tests.
Contact emergency services or go to the emergency department if chills or shivering occur with severe fever, breathing difficulty, chest pain, loss of consciousness, sudden confusion, or rapidly worsening condition. For people with Parkinson’s or other neurologic diseases, sudden markedly different or persistent shaking and severe cold sensation also warrant prompt evaluation.
When you contact a health professional, note onset and pattern of symptoms, accompanying signs (fever, cough, sweating, vomiting, faintness), current medications and chronic conditions, and recent cold exposure or illness contacts. Short-term measures such as covering with a blanket and adjusting room temperature can provide comfort; measure temperature if possible. These measures are supportive—if red flags are present, seek urgent care rather than waiting.
Primary evaluation is often done by family medicine or internal medicine. If infection is suspected, infectious diseases can be consulted; for metabolic or endocrine concerns, consider endocrinology. Patients with known neurologic disorders may need neurology input. In emergency situations, emergency medicine teams should assess and stabilize the patient.
Hello ❤️
Write your complaint
Let's answer in seconds
Tanitedavi.com is a Bogazici Teknopark project. BETA