Some health conditions can cause confusion not only for the general public but also for specialist doctors. With similar symptoms, they can interfere with and complicate diagnosis, as is the case with essential tremor, which is often incorrectly diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease. Even though essential tremor is a somewhat unusual name for most people, it is considered a very common occurrence and can affect 1 in every 5 people over the age of 65.

What is Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor, also known in medicine by the acronym ET, is a disorder that affects the movements of limbs such as the hands, legs, head, and also the voice. It is not a life-threatening disease, but rather a disorder that causes changes in movement and naturally affects daily activities. There is a long list of 20 conditions that can cause tremors in humans, but essential tremor is identified as the most common of all. Even though it is most frequent in older adults, it can affect people of all ages, including children. When essential tremor is frequent, the individual may lose the ability to perform simple everyday tasks.

Causes of Essential Tremor

The causes of essential tremor have not yet been definitively confirmed, but studies indicate that genetics play a major role. In a large number of cases, a family history of the syndrome has been observed. Therefore, in cases with a family history, the medical term used is familial tremor.

Symptoms of Essential Tremor

Essential tremor has symptoms similar to Parkinson’s, characterized by involuntary shaking when trying to perform simple movements or when maintaining a position that requires some effort. In the medical assessment of essential tremor, it is divided into two types:

  • Postural tremor – difficulty maintaining a position against gravity, such as raising and holding an arm outstretched;
  • Action tremor – difficulty performing a simple movement, like bringing a glass to the mouth;

In the vast majority of cases, individuals diagnosed with essential tremor present symptoms of both types, postural and action. When symptoms progress to slowed simple movements and joint stiffness, it may indicate other conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease.

When to Seek Medical Help?

Usually, when you notice unusual symptoms in your body, such as small tremors, which is the initial sign of essential tremor, you should see a doctor. However, in most cases, patients only seek medical help when their daily activities are being interrupted by the difficulty in performing simple tasks.

Diagnosis of Essential Tremor

The diagnosis of essential tremor is based on a set of factors that must be analyzed by the doctor, as it is purely clinical. It is necessary to study family history and perform specific physical exams to rule out other physical conditions, such as thyroid diseases. A brain scintigraphy or a cranial MRI may be performed to complement the diagnosis.

Treatment of Essential Tremor

Although there is still no definitive cure for essential tremor, there are some treatment options focused on reducing symptoms and providing a better quality of life for the patient. Treatments can result in up to 100% improvement in some cases when properly managed. In the vast majority of patients with essential tremor, treatment is carried out with medications, which need to be administered specifically, balanced, and closely monitored by a specialist. The existence of other illnesses, analysis of previous treatments, and the patient’s medical history should all be considered. In more specific cases, surgical treatment may be indicated. The procedure, called thalamotomy, is a brain surgery that aims to selectively destroy a brain tissue responsible for causing the body tremors. After several tests, the effectiveness of the surgical procedure has been confirmed, effectively reducing tremor in most patients. As with all surgical procedures, complications can occur, and thalamotomy is no different. Some patients, after undergoing the procedure, experienced complications such as speech problems, numbness in some parts of the body, and difficulties with balance. Another surgical option for treating essential tremor is deep brain stimulation therapy, known by the acronym DBS. DBS therapy aims to reduce the intensity of tremors in the arms and hands that hinder basic human functions. In DBS treatment, a small device, similar to a pacemaker, is implanted in the patient. This device provides electrical stimulation to specific areas of the brain. The goal of this stimulation is to block the brain signals responsible for the tremors associated with essential tremor.

Living with the New Condition

Even though it is not a syndrome that poses a risk of death, it is a condition that can cause distress and some embarrassment for the patient, especially in social situations. Medications and treatments can lead to a reduction in tremors, but during the treatment process, difficulties with simple activities, such as holding a glass, may still occur. The best thing to do is adapt to the new condition and find ways to minimize embarrassment. If the patient has difficulty holding a cup, use a straw and keep the cup resting on the table. Stressful or anxious situations can increase tremors, so it is essential to remain calm and keep your mental health balanced. Even though Parkinson’s and essential tremor are different conditions, patients diagnosed with essential tremor have a higher chance of developing Parkinson’s disease. The best way to prevent the syndrome from progressing to other conditions is to maintain proper, controlled treatment under the guidance of a physician. At the first sign of any unusual symptom, it should be reported to a specialist. The sooner any health condition is detected, the better the results from treatment! Photo: pxhere