Essential Tremor and Its Psychological Effects
Posted: Tuesday, May 12, 2009
by Sandra E. Graham
My Books and Articles
Essential tremor is a condition that effects many people worldwide. It is a neurological condition that causes the upper extremities of the body to shake uncontrollably. Although similar, this condition should not be confused with Parkinson's Disease as there are key differences. Essential tremor of the hands usually occurs when the hands are in use while Parkinson's tremor occurs in the hands when the arms and hands are relaxed. Parkinson's patients usually have a stooped posture and a shuffle type of walk that is not present in a patient suffering from essential tremor.
Although this is normally an elderly person's ailment, it has been known to affect young people as well and normally tends to worsen with age. And although extremely rare, it has even been diagnosed in newborns. The most common cause of essential tremor is hereditary. An abnormal gene is passed from at least one parent having essential tremor to offspring who then acquire the disease. Sixty percent of cases studied have been shown to be passed down through families.
Essential tremor is not life threatening, but symptoms may worsen over time and may cause difficulties in performing everyday tasks. Should you suffer from this affliction, your doctor may refer you to a neurologist. Further testing and evaluation will be necessary to eliminate any other causes that may bring about these symptoms. There are medications that may help if your symptoms are a problem for you.
Alcoholic beverages have been known to calm the tremors, but this is not recommended as it can lead to a dependence on alcohol and the tremors will worsen over time as the alcohol wears off. The best advice you can get is from your family doctor.
I personally have suffered from essential tremor for as long as I can remember; inherited from my mother and she from her mother. I have several siblings that also suffer from the affliction with our youngest brother being the worst. It has made life very hard for us all, especially for my youngest brother who has never been able to hold down a job because his tremors are so pronounced. I think our biggest problem was ignorance about the disease and not finding out sooner that there is help for us. Many years ago I asked a doctor about the problem and all he said was, "Oh, that's just hereditary. Nothing you can do about it." And so I lived with it; hiding my embarrassment over my shaky hands, as I am sure my brother did. I was lucky in that I could do my job-as long as no one was watching me and I wasn't under any stress. That's how I went through life-doing such things as handwriting and typing when no one was looking over my shoulder.
If you or a loved one is aflicted by this problem, just know that there is help out there. See your doctor and don't let embarrassment keep you from living your life the way you would like to live it.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Sandra, Wow! I had no idea this disease even existed. Are there medications that help? It sure hasn't hindered your writing! I am sorry your brother, and all of you, have had to go through this. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Awareness is a good thing.Yes, there are several different types of medication that helps. If the problem is really severe, there is a form of brain surgery that can be performed. Thank you so much, Lorrie, for your concern and comments.Sandra
Interesting article. Good information.BSJThanks so much, again, BJ.Sandra
Thank you for the article. I was diagnosed with ET at age 5. Then ET plus Dystonia at age 23. I'm 37 my ET is now very pronounced effecting my legs, trunk, hands, head, neck, and larynx. My hope is to get the DBS (deep brain stimulation) operation soon. Your article highlights how difficult this disease can be .. especially in the work place. I'm having to do work from home where I can but it has not been easy. It's good to know there are others out there with similar difficulties.
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