INFORMATION ON ESSENTIAL TREMOR

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder characterized by shaking of hands and sometimes other parts of the body including the head, evoked by intentional movements. Some forms of essential tremor are inherited and run in families, while others have no known cause. Excessive alcohol consumption or alcohol withdrawal can kill certain nerve cells, resulting in tremor, especially in the hand. The incidence is unknown, but is estimated to be as common as one person in 20, and it is the most common type of tremor and also the most commonly observed movement disorder.

SYNONYMS OF ESSENTIAL TREMOR

Synonyms of Essential tremor are:

1. Essential tremor.
2. Movement disorder.
3. Benign essential tremor.
4. Familial tremor.
5. Senile tremor.

CAUSES OF ESSENTIAL TREMOR

Some forms of tremor are inherited and run in families, while others have no known cause. Excessive alcohol consumption or alcohol withdrawal can kill certain nerve cells, resulting in tremor, especially in the hand. Other causes include an overactive thyroid and the use of certain drugs. Tremor may occur at any age but is most common in middle-aged and older persons. The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible causes of Tremor as a symptom.

1. Doxapram Hydrochloride.
2. Dopram Injection.
3. Dextrothyroxine Sodium.
4. Choloxine.
5. Cocaine Hydrochloride.

SYMPTOMS OF ESSENTIAL TREMOR

Symptoms of Essential tremor:

1. A shaking voice.
2. Nodding head.
3. Tremors that worsen during periods of emotional stress.
4. Tremors that gets worse with purposeful movement.
5. Tremor lessens with rest.

DIGNOSIS OF ESSENTIAL TREMOR

Diagnostic techniques that make images of the brain, such as magnetic resonance imaging, may help form a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or other Essential Tremor caused by disorders of the central nervous system. Blood tests can rule out metabolic causes such as thyroid disease. A family history can help determine whether the tremor is inherited. There is no specific test for essential tremor and it is usually easy to diagnose simply by exam and medical history. Results from blood and urine tests can help the physician rule out other causes such as the following:

1. Heavy metal poisoning.
2. Parkinson's disease.
3. Side effect of medication.
4. Thyroid disease.

TREATMENT OF ESSENTIAL TREMOR

There is no cure for Essential Tremor and, in most cases, there is no need to treat essential tremor. Treatment may not be required if the tremors are mild and do not interfere with daily activity. Essential Tremor can be reduced with drug treatment. A drug called propranolol is often used to treat severe essential tremor. Other medications that may reduce tremors include anti-seizure drugs such as gabapentin, mild tranquilizers such as alprazolam or clonazepam, and calcium-channel blockers Intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin in the hand have been used to reduce tremor by weakening local muscles.