ElderStore kindly invited the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) to contribute guest posts to this blog. The organization appreciates the opportunity to share information about essential tremor and to reach this audience.
ElderStore's motto - Aging with Grace and Dignity - is both apt and important to keep in mind as we grow older and tend to our needs as human beings. The IETF will certainly honor that motto in our posts.
To begin, I'd like to share basic information about essential tremor (ET), a neurological condition that causes shaking of the head, hands, and voice. Also known as familial tremor, benign essential tremor or hereditary tremor, ET is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease (PD) and dystonia.
Actually, ET is eight times more common than PD and affects 10 million people in the United States. It is the most common movement disorder; however, because of stereotypes and a lack of awareness, many people with ET never seek medical care though most would benefit from treatment.
How does ET differ from PD? Members of the IETF Medical Advisory Board created a simple reference guide that lists basic distinctions between ET and PD signs and symptoms.
Visit this link to learn more: Essential Tremor and Parkinson's disease - How do they differ from each other?
To learn more about ET, visit our website or call us toll-free at 888.387.3667 for information about the condition, treatment, support groups, research and more.
Pete Dulin
Editor
International Essential Tremor Foundation
Editor
International Essential Tremor Foundation
Thank you for posting this article about Essential Tremor. My husband has shaky hands and we were worried it was Parkinsons. I've been to the Essential Tremor site and it has been very helpful. And our doctor confirmed he does not have Parkinsons. Thanks so much, keep up the good work of providing helpful information.
ReplyDeleteMostly no Benign Essential Tremor Treatment is needed and tremors may be relieved by some simple measures such as resting well, avoiding caffeine, avoiding stimulants present in over the counter medications and avoiding temperature extremities. Medical treatment of benign essential tremor includes beta blockers such as propranolol,atenolol,metoprolol, nadolol and aotalol, anti-seizure medications such as primidone, gabapentin and topiramate, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics such as clonazepam and alprazolam, tranquilizers and botulinum injections. Surgery is another option. There two surgical procedures that can be done. First procedure is deep brain stimulation having side effects such as motor control, problems with speech, balance, headaches and weakness. Thalamotomy is the second option. Physical therapy to improve muscle strength, control and coordination and occupational therapy to help adapt living with benign essential tremors is suggested.
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