Are you among the 7 million Americans who have essential tremor? If your hand shakes involuntarily, or another part of your body trembles, you may have essential tremor.
Essential tremor (ET) can be confused with Parkinson’s disease, but ET is different and much more common. A health care clinician can tell the difference between the two conditions.
Both women and men of any age can be affected by ET, but it’s more common in middle age and later in life. The tremors can affect your arms, legs, trunk, head and even your voice.
We don’t have a definitive cure for essential tremor. If the symptoms are mild, you may not even need a treatment.
If the symptoms affect your daily activities, work or your quality of life, discuss your concerns with your health care clinician.
If the tremors are mild, some simple lifestyle changes may help:
1. Follow an appropriate sleep schedule. For some people, physical exhaustion can cause tremors.
2. Try relaxation techniques. This can work well for tremors brought on by stress or heightened emotions.
If the condition is more problematic, your clinician may do some tests to find the underlying cause. Depending on the cause, additional treatment options may be available:
3. Employ occupational therapy. An occupational therapist can help you adjust to living with the tremors. Some simple changes can make life easier. Use eating utensils with larger handles. Wearing wrist weights to stabilize the hand. Select clothes that are easy on and off — no buttons!
4. Avoid aggravating substances. Medications (like certain antidepressants, antiepileptics or inhalers) or foods (caffeine, energy drinks) can worsen tremor. Ask your doctor if any of your medications could be the source of your problems.
5. Take prescribed medications. Based on the underlying cause, we’ll recommend a good option. A good result with medication would be reduction in tremor by about 50%.
6. Utilize surgical treatments. These methods are used for bothersome or disabling tremor that is not adequately managed on medication. A good result with surgery would be elimination or near elimination of tremor.
If you have additional questions about essential tremor, make an appointment with your health care clinician online.