Essential tremor

• Article
• 2021-03-09

Tremor is an unintentional, somewhat rhythmic muscle movement that involves back and forth movements (oscillations) of one or more parts of the body. Essential tremor (previously called benign essential tremor) is the most common form of abnormal tremor. (In some people, tremor is a symptom of a neurological condition or appears as a side effect of certain medications.) While it may be mild and non-progressive in some people, the tremor is slowly progressive in others, starting on one side of the body. but ultimately affect both sides. Hand tremor is most common, but the head, arms, voice, tongue, legs, and trunk can also be involved. Hand tremors can cause problems with purposeful movements such as eating, writing, sewing, or shaving. Head tremors can be thought of as a "yes-yes" or "no-no" movement. Essential tremor may be associated with a mild gait disturbance. Increased emotions, stress, fever, physical exhaustion, or low blood sugar can cause tremors or increase their severity. Mild degeneration may occur in certain areas of the cerebellum in individuals with essential tremor. Onset is most common after the age of 40, although symptoms can appear at any age. Children of a parent with essential tremor have up to a 50 percent chance of inheriting the condition. Essential tremor has not been associated with any known pathology. Children of a parent with essential tremor have up to a 50 percent chance of inheriting the condition. Essential tremor has not been associated with any known pathology. Children of a parent with essential tremor have up to a 50 percent chance of inheriting the condition. Essential tremor has not been associated with any known pathology.

Therapy

There is no definitive cure for essential tremor. Symptomatic drug treatment may include propranolol or other beta blockers and primidone, an anticonvulsant drug. It is often recommended to eliminate tremor 'triggers' such as caffeine and other stimulants from the diet. Physical and occupational therapy can help reduce tremor and improve coordination and muscle control in some individuals. Deep brain stimulation uses a surgically implanted, battery-operated medical device called a neurostimulator to deliver electrical stimulation to certain parts of the brain that control movement, temporarily blocking the nerve signals that cause tremor. Other surgical procedures are effective, but can have side effects.

Prognosis

While essential tremor is not life-threatening, it can make it more difficult to perform daily tasks and is embarrassing for some people. The frequency of tremor may decrease with age, but the severity can increase, affecting the person's ability to perform certain tasks or activities of daily living. In many people, the tremor can be mild throughout life.

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