Essential tremor, or ET, is a progressive neurological condition that causes a rhythmic trembling of the hands, head or voice. ET is also commonly known as familial tremor, benign essential tremor and hereditary tremor. This is because it is commonly seen in patients with a specific altered familial gene, though not all people suffering from ET will have this gene. For those struggling with ET, the symptoms can often mirror those of other movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or dystonia.
The International Essential Tremor Foundation estimates that around 10 million Americans suffer from ET. Due to social stigma and a lack of awareness about the condition, many people with ET never seek medical care, despite several treatment options.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with or suspect essential tremors, you can rely on the team at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Neurology to provide compassionate, high-quality treatment.
Symptoms of Essential Tremor
Everyone has some degree of tremor, but it’s often so small that it’s hardly noticeable. When uncontrollable shaking becomes out of control, impacting daily activities, it is usually diagnosed as essential tremor. Some common symptoms of ET may include:
- Shaking or hand tremors, usually affecting one or both hands
- Uncontrollable head nod, often up-and-down or side-to-side
- Shaky voice, difficulty with articulation
- Tremors worsen when moving
- Caffeine and stress make the tremors worse
What is the difference between Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s disease?
While the tremors caused by ET are often associated with the symptoms seen in patients with Parkinson’s disease, there are a few key differences between the conditions.
- Timing
While tremors caused by ET usually occur while using the body part affected, tremors from Parkinson’s disease occur during resting states, such as the hands resting by the sides of the body. - Affected Areas
While ET mainly involves the hands, head and voice, Parkinson’s disease tremors can affect the hands, legs, and other parts of the body. - Related Symptoms
While ET doesn’t cause any additional health issues, patients may sometimes develop an unsteady walk or other symptoms. Parkinson’s disease tremors are often accompanied by poor posture and difficulty walking.
What causes Essential Tremor?
The exact causes of essential tremor are still unknown. Scientists believe that the cause may have to do with disruptions in communications between different brain areas, especially in the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of your brain that coordinates muscle movement, and interruptions or lack of communications to this spot could potentially cause tremors. Although we don’t yet know what causes ET, there are a few factors that put people at a higher risk of suffering from the condition.
Who’s at risk for Essential Tremor?
Although we don’t know exactly what causes essential tremor, there are some characteristics shared among those commonly diagnosed. Some of the potential risk factors include:
- Age
ET can affect anyone at any age–even children, but it is most common in people who are 40 years and older. - Genetics
ET can run in families, leading to the alternate name of “familial tremor.” Genetics play a role in about half of the diagnosed cases of ET, with the patient inheriting a mutated gene from a single parent.
How is Essential Tremor diagnosed?
While there aren’t any tests that can confirm if a person has essential tremor, there are several ways that a neurologist can determine your diagnosis. ET is commonly diagnosed based on a comprehensive neurological exam completed by your doctor. In addition, your doctor may have you complete tasks such as writing or holding a cup to assess your tremors.
Other conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to the tremors seen in patients with ET. To rule out other potential neurological disorders causing the tremor, your physician may order blood, urine or imaging tests to be completed.
How is Essential Tremor treated?
While there is no cure for essential tremor, there are a variety of ways to treat it. The main options for treatment are medications, deep brain stimulation (DBS), stereotactic radiosurgery and lifestyle changes. Treatments can vary based on your doctor’s recommendation.
Medications
There are few effective prescription medications available that treat ET. However, some common medications that can be administered either on their own or in combination are beta-blockers and anti-seizure drugs. For those prescribed either of these drugs, about 60% respond positively to the treatment, seeing a reduction of symptoms.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Since its FDA approval in 1997, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has dramatically changed the lives of patients with movement disorders. DBS is a minimally invasive neurosurgical treatment involving the implantation of a fine-electrode wire and pulse generator, similar to a pacemaker. These devices stimulate the brain with mild electrical signals and reorganize the brain’s electrical impulses and can produce significant improvements for those struggling with uncontrollable tremors.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Stereotactic radiosurgery is a minimally invasive technique that uses 3D imaging to target high doses of radiation to the thalamus. This type of surgery requires no incisions and has a minimal impact on the surrounding healthy tissues. This treatment is typically considered for severe tremors that can’t be adequately controlled by medication.
Lifestyle Changes
Limiting the intake of caffeine and alcohol can help alleviate symptoms of ET. In addition, effective stress management, through meditation, massages, or regular exercise, can lessen tremor frequency and severity.
Choose NGPG for Essential Tremor treatment
If you or a loved one is suffering from tremors that you believe are caused by ET, confidence in diagnosis and care is essential. The research on ET is constantly growing, and our team of providers at NGPG Neuroscience are up to date on the latest news and treatment options. Our neurologists, neurosurgeons, neurointerventional surgeons, neuropsychiatrists and other specialists work as a team to provide our patients with fantastic care and access to the latest advancements.