Essential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder, affecting around 10% of the population in the United States, or approximately 10 million people. ET is often thought to be a relatively harmless condition.
Do you or someone you know suffer from essential tremors? If so, you know that it can be a debilitating condition. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 of the most common treatments for essential tremors.
We will also provide information on the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment. So, whether you are looking to try a new treatment or just want to learn more about your options, this blog post is for you!
What Are Essential Tremors?
Essential tremor (head tremor) is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary shaking or trembling in different parts of the body. It usually affects the hands, but can also affect the head, arms, legs, and trunk.Â
Severe tremor is often mistaken for Parkinson’s disease, but the two conditions are different. Essential tremor does not cause stiffness or slow movement, and it is not associated with mental decline.
Essential Tremor Symptoms
- Tremors that get worse during emotional stress
- Shaking for brief periods that you can’t control
- Nodding head
- Tremors that lessen with rest
- Shaking voice
- Tremors that get worse when you move on purpose
- Balance problems (in rare cases)
Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, exhaustion after exercise, brain tumors, acute emotional distress, metabolic disorders, some prescription medicines, and alcohol or drug withdrawal are just a few of the conditions that can induce tremors.
1O treatments For Essential Tremor
There is no cure for essential tremors, but there are several drugs that can be used to treat essential tremors. The drug also can be used to treat voice or head tremors.
In treating essential tremors, these options can help lessen the severity of the tremors and improve the quality of life.
Medications
There are several types of medications that can be used to treat essential tremors, including beta-blockers, anti-seizure drugs, and Botox injections.
Your doctor will work with you to determine which medication is best for you based on your symptoms and medical history.
Surgery
In some cases, essential tremors may be treated with surgery. Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure that involves the implantation of a small device that sends electrical impulses to the area of the brain that is responsible for the tremors.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and coordination, which may help reduce the severity of the essential tremor.
Lifestyle Changes
Making some simple lifestyle changes can also help lessen the symptoms of essential tremors. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, practicing stress-relieving techniques such as yoga or meditation, and getting adequate sleep are all helpful in managing the condition.
Alternative Therapies
Several alternative therapies have eating essential tremors, including acupuncture, biofeedback, and massage.
Assistive Devices
There are a variety of assistive devices that can help people with essential tremors perform everyday tasks. Specialty pens and utensils, weighted gloves, and stabilizing sleeves can all help manage the condition.
Botulinum toxin injections
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections are effective in treating essential tremors. The injections are usually given every three to six months and work by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause the tremors.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure that involves the implantation of a small device that sends electrical impulses to the area of the brain that is responsible for the tremors.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is effective in treating essential tremors in some cases. It works by helping the person relax and focus their attention on something other than the tremor.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain and relieve symptoms of essential tremors.
Note: Relaxation therapies can also be very useful
Causes Of Essential Tremor
There are many potential causes of essential tremors, though the exact cause is often unknown. Potential causes include damage to the central nervous system, genetic factors, and certain medical conditions. Treatment for essential tremor often focuses on managing the symptoms, as there is no known cure for the condition.
Essential tremor may be caused by damage to the central nervous system, specifically the cerebellum or brain stem. The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating movement, and the brain stem controls involuntary movement.
Essential tremors may also be caused by genetic factors. It is believed that essential tremors may be passed down from generation to generation in families. Certain medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, can also cause essential tremors.
Diagnosis Of Essential Tremor
Essential tremors are usually diagnosed by a neurologist or movement disorder expert based on your symptoms and a full neurological evaluation. ET is diagnosed without the use of any specific blood, urine, or other tests.
