DESCRIPTION
Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable shaking in different parts and different sides of the body. It most often affects the hands. To a lesser extent, the arms, head, and voice can be involved.
ET can occur during any age. However, it often appears during adolescence or middle age. It is not life threatening, and most people live with the condition. However, for some people, it can interfere with dressing, eating, and writing.
ET is the most common movement disorder. It affects up to 10 million people in the U.S.
CAUSES
The cause of ET is unknown. However, there is a family history of ET in about 50% of patients.
TREATMENT AND THERAPIES
Mild ET may not need treatment. Sometimes, though, it causes problems in everyday life. In these cases, treatment may improve symptoms.
Medications for ET
Medications include:
Beta blockers
Seizure medications
Botulinum toxin
Adaptive Devices for ET
Adaptive devices can help with ET. Examples include:
- Wrist weights
- Wide grip writing instruments and utensils
- Electrical stimulation devices
Surgery for ET
Surgery can sometimes be used for ET.
It may include:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS is a surgical treatment in which an electrode is placed in your brain. It causes painless shocks that disrupt electrical signals.
- Ablative brain surgery. This destroys parts of the brain. It uses high-frequency ultrasound or direct excision to do so. For instance, the thalamus controls some movements. Destroying part of it can calm or stop the tremors.
Relaxation Techniques for ET
Relaxation techniques can calm tremors. Examples include:
- Yoga
- Deep breathing
- Biofeedback
OUTLOOK
In many children, the symptoms of ET are mild. Treatments may be worse than the symptoms. However, tremors can worsen with age.
Tremors can affect daily life by affecting fine motor activities. They can cause problems with:
- Eating
- Writing
- Speaking
- Balance
Adaptations should be made at school to maximize the educational experience.
Resources
International Essential Tremor Foundation
The mission of the International Essential Tremor Foundation is to provide hope to the essential tremor (ET) community worldwide through awareness, education, support, and research.
Founded in 1988 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) is guided by an executive board of directors, a medical advisory board, and an executive director with a staff of two. The organization consists of patients, physicians, educators, health care workers, parents, relatives, friends, and volunteers.
Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) solicits resources from the community to be included on this webpage through an application process. CNF reserves the right to remove entities at any time if information is deemed inappropriate or inconsistent with the mission, vision, and values of CNF.