Do you sometimes feel like your hands are shaking when you pick something up, write, or hold a cup? Maybe your voice shakes a little when you speak. This is a condition that many people have, and it can be a bit annoying. Let's talk about this in detail and simply today.
What is 'Essential Tremor'?
Simply put, Essential Tremor is a nervous system disorder that causes parts of your body, especially your hands, to shake uncontrollably. You can't stop this shaking.
It most commonly affects your hands, but it can also affect other parts of your body, such as your head and voice. When this condition becomes severe, it can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks like eating, drinking, and getting dressed. Many people are also embarrassed and anxious about these symptoms.
What is the difference between Essential Tremor and Parkinson's disease?
Essential tremor and Parkinson's disease are both movement disorders that cause tremors. But there are some big differences between the two.
- How the tremor occurs: A person with essential tremor has their hands shake when they are trying to do something , such as holding a cup or writing. But in Parkinson's disease, the tremor occurs at rest . That is, the hands shake when they are just holding the object, and the tremor decreases when they are doing something.
- Other symptoms: Parkinson's disease can be accompanied by other symptoms. For example, difficulty walking, stiffness, and loss of balance . However, in essential tremor , the main symptom is tremor.
- Heredity: Essential tremor is often hereditary, but Parkinson's disease is less common.
So, it is very important to understand these changes.
Who can develop 'Essential Tremor'?
This condition can develop in anyone. However, it is more likely to develop as you get older.
It usually starts between the ages of 10 and 19, or between the ages of 50 and 59. As I mentioned before, it can run in families, so it is sometimes called "familial tremor."
How common is this condition?
Essential tremor is a very common condition. Experts estimate that it affects about 1% of the population worldwide. It affects about 5% of people over the age of 60.
It is the most common type of tremor, and it is also one of the most common movement disorders. How does Essential Tremor affect my body?
Essential tremor causes parts of your body to shake when you try to use them. This is most common when you use your hands. But it can also affect things like your head and voice. It
develops very slowly and can go unnoticed for years. In the beginning, essential tremor is not a big problem. Some people have difficulty doing certain tasks, but most people adapt to it. But as the condition progresses, it can become difficult to do fine tasks. For example, handwriting, using cutlery, sewing, or other tasks that require great precision. As the condition worsens, the effects can be even more severe. Some people cannot eat or cook food on their own because of their shaking hands. Others may find it difficult to do basic tasks such as writing, dressing, or bathing.
What are the symptoms of 'Essential Tremor'?
The main symptom is
a tremor when you try to use your hands. This tremor can occur in different ways and at different times. These are the types and times of that tremor:
- Action tremor: This happens when you do something. For example, when you reach out to pick up something. Doctors also call this ``Action tremor.''
- Postural tremor: This occurs when you hold a part of your body in a certain position. For example, when you hold your arm out in front of you and hold it at the same level. This is also called ``Postural tremor''.
Essential tremor almost always affects both sides of the body. But
it often affects one side more than the other. In addition to the hands, tremors can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the head, voice, face, and trunk. The tremor itself is not dangerous. However, when the condition is severe, it can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Over time, it can make it difficult to eat with a spoon, drink from a glass, get dressed, and write. In some cases, the tremor may become more or less severe. Examples:
- Stress, anxiety , fatigue: These things can increase tremors.
- Caffeine : Drinking things like coffee and tea can increase tremors in some people.
- Certain medications: Some medications can also affect tremors.
- Alcohol: Some people find that drinking a little alcohol temporarily reduces their tremors, but it is not a good idea to use alcohol as a treatment because of the risk of addiction. Also, some medications for essential tremor can cause serious side effects when taken with alcohol. So it is important to talk to your doctor about your alcohol use .
Two words to know about tremors
When doctors diagnose essential tremor, they analyze the way the tremor occurs. Two important factors are
the amplitude and
frequency of the tremor. Let's understand these simply:
- Amplitude: This is the distance your hand moves when you shake. The greater the distance, the greater the amplitude. As the essential tremor increases, the amplitude usually increases. This can also change when you perform a certain action or hold a certain position.
- Frequency: The number of times your hand shakes is called a tremor cycle. Frequency is how many such cycles occur per second. The international unit of measurement is Hertz (Hz). In essential tremor, there are usually 6 to 12 tremor cycles per second. However, this may decrease slightly as the amplitude increases, and it can also vary from person to person.
What causes essential tremor? Does anything make it worse?
Experts still don't know exactly why Essential Tremor occurs or if there is a specific trigger for it. However, there is evidence to suggest that it is caused by changes in certain parts of the brain. Although the exact cause is not known, it is known that the condition can be inherited. About half of people with Essential Tremor have it inherited. It appears to be an autosomal dominant condition. This means that if one of your parents has a gene mutation that causes it and you inherit it, you have about a 50% chance of developing the condition.
Is Essential Tremor contagious?
No, Essential Tremor is not a contagious disease. You cannot catch it from someone else, nor can you catch it from someone else.
How is Essential Tremor diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose Essential Tremor based on your symptoms and a neurological examination.
There is currently no specific test that can confirm whether you have it or not. However, one of the most important things to consider when making a diagnosis is,
It is also important to check for other diseases that are causing the symptoms. Blood tests and various imaging tests will be done to make sure there are no other diseases. What tests can be done to diagnose Essential Tremor?
If your doctor suspects you have essential tremor, they may do these tests to rule out other conditions:- Blood tests: These can rule out other conditions that mimic essential tremor, especially thyroid conditions, Wilson's disease, and toxic conditions caused by metals such as lead or manganese.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Genetic testing
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
How is Essential Tremor treated? Is there a cure for it?
There is no cure for essential tremor. However, there are treatments available to help control the symptoms. The main treatment options are:- Medication: The most commonly used medications are beta-blockers such as propranolol and anti-seizure drugs such as primidone. These can be given alone or in combination.
- Adaptive devices: There are many devices now available to help control tremor, including weighted devices, tremor-canceling devices, vibration devices, and peripheral nerve stimulation.
- Botulinum toxin: This involves injecting an injection into the muscles that are shaking. This temporarily weakens the muscles and reduces the severity of the shaking.
- Deep brain stimulation: This is a surgical procedure in which a device is implanted in a specific area of the brain that sends electrical impulses. These electrical impulses disrupt the signals that cause essential tremor. This can reduce tremors on both sides of the body.
- Focused ultrasound: This method uses very high-frequency sound waves to destroy the tissue in the brain that is causing the tremor. This destruction can greatly reduce the severity of the tremor and improve hand stability. It can also be used to treat tremors on both sides of the body.
If you are not satisfied with other treatments, your doctor may recommend deep brain stimulation or focused ultrasound. Complications/side effects of treatment
The complications and side effects of essential tremor treatment depend on many factors, including the type of treatment. Your doctor can best explain what side effects are likely to occur in your specific condition and how to manage them. How do I take care of myself/manage symptoms?
Essential Tremor should be diagnosed and treated by a trained, qualified doctor. It is not a life-threatening condition. However, tremors can be a symptom of other conditions. Some of these conditions can be treated if diagnosed early. Therefore, if you start to experience unexplained tremors, it is important to see a doctor. How soon will I feel better after treatment? How long will it take to recover?
The recovery time from various treatments depends on many factors, including the treatment method. Your doctor is the best source of information about your condition. He or she can provide information specific to your specific situation and circumstances. Can the risk of developing Essential Tremor be reduced or completely prevented?
Essential tremor occurs unexpectedly, so it is not possible to prevent this condition or reduce its risk. What happens if I have Essential Tremor?
Essential tremor is a condition that usually gets worse over time. It often happens very slowly. The tremor in the hand or arms usually increases by 1.5% to 5% per year. It starts out small, initially affecting only the hands. Over time, usually after several years, the tremor can spread up the arms and affect the head. As the condition gets worse, it can become difficult to do certain tasks and you may need help. How long does essential tremor last? Will it go away?
Essential tremor is a permanent, lifelong condition once it begins. It cannot be cured, and it does not go away on its own. What is the outlook for someone with Essential Tremor?
In the past, the word "benign" (meaning "not harmful") was used as part of the name (called "benign essential tremor"). However, experts now understand that although essential tremor is not directly harmful, it can cause significant disruption to life. People with severe tremors have difficulty with things like cooking, using cutlery, drinking from a cup, cleaning themselves, and getting dressed. Some people eventually become unable to live on their own and have to live with family or in a supportive care setting.
How do I take care of myself?
Essential tremor is a condition that starts with very mild symptoms, sometimes unnoticed, and then progresses slowly. It usually takes years for symptoms to reach a level where treatment is recommended. However, many people may not seek treatment until their symptoms are more severe. Here are some of the best things you can do to take care of yourself:- Don't be afraid to be honest about your symptoms. Many people are embarrassed by this condition. When you tell your doctor what you're experiencing honestly, he or she will get a complete picture of your condition. This will help him or her treat you more effectively.
- See your doctor as recommended. Follow-up visits with your doctor will help monitor your condition. They can change your medication if necessary or suggest better treatment options.
- Take your medication as prescribed. Medications can help reduce the symptoms of essential tremor and reduce the disruption to your life caused by the condition. If your doctor prescribes medication, take it exactly as prescribed. Some medications can cause unpleasant or serious side effects if you stop taking them suddenly. So don't stop taking them without talking to your doctor.
- Find out what triggers your tremors and avoid them. Essential tremor often gets worse when you are tired, stressed, anxious, or otherwise agitated. Caffeine can also make your symptoms worse. Avoiding these whenever possible can make a big difference to the symptoms you experience.
- Get help from technology. With the advancement of technology, there are new ways to help people with Essential Tremor. One of the most important advancements is adaptive devices. These can greatly improve your quality of life and your ability to live independently.
When should I see a doctor? Or seek medical advice?
If you start to experience unexplained tremors, you should see a doctor. Your doctor will schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment as needed. These visits can help minimize the disruptive effects of the condition, so it's important to attend as recommended. If you find that your symptoms are getting worse and are interfering with your daily activities, or if you have any bothersome side effects from your medications or treatments, you should see your doctor. When should I go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?
Essential tremor is not a condition that directly threatens your health and well-being. Therefore, it is unlikely to cause symptoms that require immediate medical attention. However, talk to your doctor to see if there are any reasons why you may need emergency medical attention. He or she can tell you what to look out for and what to do to take care of yourself if such problems arise. Finally, important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Essential tremor is a condition in which parts of your body, most often your hands and arms, shake. At first, it may be a minor annoyance. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, if the tremor becomes severe, it can make it difficult for you to take care of yourself or live independently. It is also common to feel embarrassed and worried about the tremors caused by this condition. It can also lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. However, the good news is that there are several ways to treat this condition. There are also many tools that can help you manage and adapt to this condition. These can minimize the impact on your quality of life. So don't be afraid, don't be ashamed, and seek medical advice as soon as possible. Essential tremor, tremors, neurological diseases, movement disorders, Parkinson's disease, hand tremors, health
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