About Essential Tremor

What is Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking. It is the most common movement disorder, affecting an estimated 10 million people in the United States. Essential tremor can affect any part of the body, but most commonly affects the hands, head, voice, and legs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can interfere with daily activities such as writing, eating, and speaking. Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery.

What are the symptoms of Essential Tremor?

The primary symptom of essential tremor is a rhythmic shaking in the hands, arms, head, face, or voice. Other symptoms may include:

• Uncontrollable shaking of the hands, arms, head, face, or voice
• Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing or using utensils
• Unsteady gait or balance
• Difficulty speaking clearly
• Head nodding or shaking
• Tremors that worsen with stress or fatigue
• Tremors that improve with alcohol or certain medications

What are the causes of Essential Tremor?

The exact cause of essential tremor is unknown, but it is believed to be related to changes in certain areas of the brain that control movement. It is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Possible causes include:

-Genetic factors: Essential tremor can run in families, suggesting that it may be caused by an inherited gene.

-Environmental factors: Exposure to certain toxins, such as lead, mercury, and pesticides, may increase the risk of developing essential tremor.

-Neurological factors: Abnormalities in certain areas of the brain, such as the cerebellum, may be linked to essential tremor.

-Age: Essential tremor is more common in older adults.

-Stress: Stress and anxiety may trigger or worsen essential tremor.

What are the treatments for Essential Tremor?

The most common treatments for Essential Tremor include medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery.

Medications:
- Beta-blockers such as propranolol and metoprolol
- Anti-seizure medications such as primidone and gabapentin
- Botox injections

Lifestyle Changes:
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation
- Regular exercise

Surgery:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
- Thalamotomy
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

What are the risk factors for Essential Tremor?

1. Age: Essential tremor is most common in people over the age of 40.

2. Family history: Essential tremor is more common in people who have a family history of the condition.

3. Gender: Essential tremor is more common in men than in women.

4. Certain medications: Certain medications, such as lithium, can increase the risk of essential tremor.

5. Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of essential tremor.

6. Caffeine: Caffeine can increase the risk of essential tremor.

Is there a cure/medications for Essential Tremor?

Yes, there are medications and other treatments available for essential tremor. Medications used to treat essential tremor include beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and botulinum toxin injections. Other treatments include physical therapy, deep brain stimulation, and focused ultrasound.