Essential tremor is a challenging condition, but it is possible to manage the symptoms and live a fulfilling life. By educating yourself and others, managing stress, taking medications, using assistive devices, and joining support groups, you can navigate life with essential tremor. Remember to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and treatment options. You can utilize our physician locator to find a specialist near you.
Navigating Life with Essential Tremor (ET):
Tips for Patients and Caregivers
Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by involuntary shaking or trembling of the hands, head, voice, or other parts of the body. While essential tremor is not life-threatening, it can be debilitating and affect a person’s quality of life. In this article, we will discuss some tips for patients and caregivers to help navigate life with essential tremor.
1. Educate yourself and others about essential tremor
The first step in managing essential tremor is to educate yourself and others about the condition. Learn as much as you can about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of essential tremor. Take an active role in your treatment and discuss your symptoms and questions with your doctor. Educate your family, friends, and coworkers about essential tremor so they can understand and support you.
2. Manage stress
Stress can exacerbate essential tremor symptoms. Managing stress is essential to controlling the condition. Try to avoid stressful situations and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep to reduce stress.
3. Medications
Medications can help control essential tremor symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as propranolol, a beta-blocker, or primidone, an anti-seizure drug. These medications can help reduce tremors and improve your quality of life. Talk to your doctor about the best medication for you.
4. Assistive devices
Assistive devices can help you manage essential tremor symptoms. For example, weighted utensils can help reduce hand tremors while eating. Voice-activated devices can help you control your environment without using your hands. Talk to your doctor or occupational therapist about assistive devices that may be helpful for you.
5. Deep brain stimulation
If you have been diagnosed with essential tremor (ET), there are treatment options beyond medication. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a safe and effective medical treatment for essential tremor when medication alone is not enough. Unlike other surgical therapies, DBS is reversible, adjustable, and does not destroy tissue. DBS uses a small, surgically implanted device called a “stimulator” to send signals to a targeted portion of your brain and the electrical impulses interrupt the signals that cause essential tremor muscle movements. This can improve tremors on both sides of your body. DBS works well to reduce tremor of the hands, but it also improves tremor in other body parts such as the head, voice, and legs, but this effect may be less.¹
6. Support groups
Joining a support group can help you connect with others who have essential tremor. You can share your experiences, learn from others, and get emotional support. Support groups can also provide information about new treatments and research.
Conclusion
References:
1. DBS for Essential Tremor | Brain Institute | OHSU. https://www.ohsu.edu/brain-institute/dbs-essential-tremor