Essential tremors are a neurological condition that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking. It affects any part of the body but mostly occurs in the hands.
Essential tremors are normally not dangerous but can worsen and become severe in some people. It is sometimes confused with Parkinsonâs disease.
The symptoms of essential tremors include:
- They start gradually and are more noticeable on one side of the body.
- They worsen with movement.
- They occur in the hands first, affecting one or both hands.
- They cause a âyes-yesâ or âno-noâ motion of the head.
- They may be aggravated by emotional stress, fatigue, caffeine, or extreme temperature changes.
About half the people with essential tremors appear to have an altered gene that causes them. This is called familial tremor. It is unclear what causes essential tremors in people without familial tremors.
There are a couple of known risk factors for essential tremors including:
- Altered gene
- Age- Essential tremors, which are more common in people 40 and older.
Complications caused by essential tremors include difficulty:
- Holding a cup or glass without spilling.
- Eating without shaking.
- Putting on makeup or shaving.
- Talking, if the voice box or tongue is affected.
- Writing clearly.
There are no medical tests to diagnose essential tremors. It is often a matter of ruling out other conditions that could be causing symptoms. A healthcare provider may do this by reviewing your medical history, family history, and symptoms, and completing a physical examination. Some tests used to do this include:
- Neurological examination that tests the functionality of your nervous system
- Tendon reflexes.
- Muscle strength and tone.
- Ability to feel certain sensations.
- Posture and coordination.
- Way of walking.
- Laboratory tests- blood and urine may be tested for several factors including:
- Thyroid disease.
- Metabolic problems.
- Medicine side effects.
- Levels of chemicals that may cause tremors.
- Performance tests- a healthcare provider may ask you to:
- Drink from a glass.
- Hold your arms outstretched.
- Write words or a sentence.
- Draw a spiral.
People with mild symptoms of essential tremors donât require treatment. But if it is causing difficulty in performing daily activities treatment options may include:
- Medicines
- Beta-blockers
- Anti-seizure medications
- Tranquilizers
- Botox injections
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Nerve stimulation devices
- Surgery
- Deep brain stimulation
- Focused ultrasound thalamotomy
You can receive pain management treatments such as nerve blocks at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment with a pain specialist, please call (718) 206-7246.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.