People with essential tremor tend to feel useless and frustrated because their hands do not stop trembling. Having this condition can make it difficult to perform even the simplest task or activity on a day to day basis.
A lot of people get confused between essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease because they both present with tremor. A small percentage of people aged fifty years old and above are diagnosed with essential tremor. If you are one of them, do not lose hope. The good news is that there are several treatment options to manage the situation and give you a better quality of life.
Having essential tremor can diminish your quality of life, which can lead to other things such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Do not allow this condition to affect your life and well being.
When does this condition start to develop?
Based on studies and research, the symptoms of essential tremor can start to show up at any age, but more likely once the person is in his forties. Hands slightly tremble while cutting vegetables, sewing clothes, or writing. Since the symptoms are mild, most people do not take it seriously. The condition usually progress and becomes more severe, making it very difficult for someone to perform even the simplest activities such as bathing, cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. People end up losing their independence, which may also affect their mental health.
What are the most common symptoms of essential tremor?
- Your hands start shaking involuntary, especially whenever you are using them or performing a specific task.
- Your voice may begin to tremble, which makes it difficult for others to comprehend what you are trying to say.
- Your head may start shaking involuntarily as well. It can worsen as time goes by.
Are there possible treatment options for people with essential tremors?
If you are seeking treatment for essential tremors, here are some of the most promising treatments that you can discuss with your neurologist.
The first option is to take prescribed medications such as beta-blockers or anti-hypertension medications to help control the symptoms. Drugs like Primidone and Propranolol are just two of the most popular medications that doctors prescribe patients to reduce the signs and symptoms of essential tremor. In case your doctor advises you to take beta-blockers, make sure to discuss any possible side effects of these medications such as fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and more.
The second option is to have a surgical treatment. The Neuravive focused ultrasound treatment is an incisionless procedure that can help control the symptoms of this particular neurological disorder. The procedure treats a spot in the brain known to be responsible for tremor. It has been shown to be successful in reducing the classic symptoms of essential tremor, hand tremor. It treats one side.
If you physician suggests, you can opt for deep brain stimulation. During the treatment, a thin wire is inserted into your brain which is connected to a pacemaker-like generator. The wire will continuously stimulate the spot in the brain to help patients live their life. Should you consider surgery, talk to your doctor and discuss the risks that come with each of the procedures.
