Living With Essential Tremor

Essential Tremor (ET) is a nervous system (neurological) disorder that causes involuntary shaking movement in which no cause can be identified. Involuntary means you shake without trying to do so.

Though ET is not life-threatening, it can be very distressing for people who have it — especially for those whose symptoms are severe. Writing a letter, dressing and eating can cause frustration and lead to stress that temporarily increases tremor.

Commonly Misdiagnosed

Essential tremor can be easily misdiagnosed as another movement disorder, most frequently Parkinson’s disease. But ET occurs eight times more often than Parkinson’s. A handwriting test is often used to distinguish between the two, says Dr. Vishal Jogi, Senior Consultant Neurologist in Ahmedabad. Parkinson’s writing typically starts out normal, then gets smaller and smaller.

Dystonic tremor is also often confused with ET. Patients with dystonia exhibit an abnormal, involuntary spasm or contraction of muscles in the face, neck, hand, or torso.

SEE ALSO: Managing Common Parkinson’s Symptoms

Living with Essential Tremor

Although this disease is not fatal, it can cause severe disability and frustration. Even with mild symptoms of ET, people often feel frustrated by their conditions. It may be very tempting to withdraw from family and friends to avoid uncomfortable situations. But don’t.

Apart from essential tremor treatment prescribed by your neurologist, staying socially active is an important part of maintaining both your physical and emotional well-being. Here are some tips to make your life easier.

Educate Yourself and Others About Essential Tremor

• Be informed about the ET condition and learn as much as you can about coping mechanism for essential tremors.
• Be active with your treatment – discuss your symptoms and question your neurologist. The more you speak about your condition to doctor and the more you know about the treatment, the easier it will be to adapt and reduce the interference with your daily life.
• Explain your condition simply and honestly to people you meet. This will avoid confusion on their part and embarrassment on yours.

Coping Tips for Everyday Living with Essential Tremor (ET)

• Find ways to reduce your stress and be relaxed.
• Avoid alcohol consumption. While small amounts of alcohol seem to relieve essential tremor in some patients, but you need to take consideration from your neurologist. Most experts do not recommend its use.
• Avoid certain drugs that can aggravate tremor like thyroid or asthma medications before attending a social event. Be sure to check with your doctor first.
• Avoid foods that contain caffeine like sodas, coffee, tea, and chocolate.
• Add a little weight to your hand by wearing a heavy bracelet or watch or holding something in your hand. This may reduce some tremors and restore more control to your hands.
• Drink beverages from half-filled glass or use a straw.
• Get enough rest and sleep because fatigue often makes tremor worse.
• Use travel mugs with lids. When on the go, use lids for purchased beverages whenever possible.
• When reading, place the newspaper or book on a table rather than holding it.
• Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. Tell others you have ET and ask them to help.

Not That Bad—or Is It?

There are many people with ET and still live a normal life. But health care professionals actually wish more people with ET would speak up about their condition.