Essential tremor is a movement disorder and neurological dysfunction in which a part of the body, such as the hands, head, or jaw, shakes or trembles involuntarily. The most prevalent movement problem in the United States is essential tremor, which affects around 10 million people.
Essential tremor is usually accompanied by no other neurological problems, though some patients may experience balance issues. Tremors are typical in patients with Parkinson's disease. However, essential tremors and Parkinson's disease are not the same. Researchers are still looking at the possibility of a connection between the two.
If you are experiencing symptoms of essential tremors, holding a coffee cup, writing a letter, buttoning a garment, and applying makeup can all be difficult for people with essential tremors and cause annoyance or humiliation. When essential tremor makes it difficult to live independently or keep a career, it can be depressing. Luckily, some drugs can help manage the symptoms of essential tremors and solutions to make necessary tasks better.
Symptoms of Essential Tremor
Essential tremor (ET) symptoms usually start mildly and get worse over time. ET in the forearm and hands is more likely to be observed than any other body part. The impact can also be seen in the muscles of the arms, head, eyelids, and other body areas. Tremors in the legs and feet are uncommon. Small objects, such as cutlery or a pen, may be difficult to grip or use for someone with ET
Hands often show the initial symptoms of essential tremors, followed by legs, neck, and head. However, in some patients, severe voice tremors may also be seen. It would be tough to understand them in such a situation because a tremor of voice makes their speech difficult. The main reason is a tremor in their vocal cords. The symptoms of essential tremors can be alleviated by low blood sugar levels, fatigue, stress, temperature fluctuations in the body, and the use of various medications. If you have an essential tremor, you will experience trembling and shaking multiple times and in numerous circumstances, but there are several characteristics that all patients share.
The specific symptoms of essential tremors include
- During movement, fast shaky movements of arms and hands
- Yes-yes-yes or no-no-no movements of the head are also called head nodding
- Voice trembling if tremors affect vocal cords or voice box
- If an essential tremor affects your hands, you may have difficulty writing, sketching, drawing, sipping from a cup, or using devices.
- Balance issues
- In rare cases, tremors of feet, torso, and legs.
- The shaking related to essential tremors includes short, quick movements occurring 4 to 12 times per second.
- Essential tremors are less noticeable at rest while prominent during movement and at the time of action.
- Essential tremors may come and go; they get worse with the advancing age
- Certain medicines, lack of sleep, caffeine, and stress make essential tremors worse
- Not have the same effect on both sides of the body. Drinking a small amount of alcohol can help you improve considerably.
Triggers of the Essential Tremor Symptoms
The following are the risk factors that trigger the symptoms of essential tremors, including
- Tobacco
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Cold or hot temperatures
Diseases that Trigger Essential Tremor Symptoms
The symptoms of essential tremors can be triggered by many health complications such as
- Brain tumors
- Multiple sclerosis
- Fatigue
- Parkinson’s disease
- Extreme emotional distress
- Metabolic issues
- Drug or alcohol withdrawal
Other than these health conditions, prescription medicines may also aggravate symptoms of essential tremors.
References
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/essential-tremor-and-how-to-manage-it
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249214
- https://weillcornellbrainandspine.org/condition/essential-tremor/symptoms-essential-tremor
- https://www.webmd.com/brain/essential-tremor-basics
- https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/essential-tremor
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249214#diagnosis
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/essential-tremor-disorder