Essential Tremor

Essential Tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder that causes rhythmic, involuntary shaking or tremors, usually in the hands, arms, head, or voice. These tremors may worsen with movement, stress, or certain activities and can be disabling in severe cases.

The cause of essential tremor is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve abnormal communication between certain areas of the brain that control movement. Essential tremor is often a hereditary condition, meaning it can be passed down through families.

Essential tremor is more common in older adults, although it can affect people of any age. It can also be mistaken for other conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, which has similar symptoms but different underlying causes.

there are several treatments that can help to manage the symptoms:

1. Medications: Medications such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and tranquilizers can help to reduce the severity of essential tremor in some people.

2. Botulinum toxin injections: Injections of botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, can be used to treat essential tremor in the hands.

3. Deep brain stimulation: This is a surgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted into specific areas of the brain to control tremors.

4. Focused ultrasound thalamotomy: This is a non-invasive surgical procedure that uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to destroy a small area of the brain that is responsible for the tremors.

The tremors associated with essential tremor can be:

• Action tremors: These tremors occur when the person is trying to perform a specific task, such as writing, holding a cup, or using utensils.
• Postural tremors: These tremors occur when the person is holding a position against gravity, such as holding their arms outstretched.
• Resting tremors: These tremors occur when the person is at rest, such as when sitting or lying down.