Consistent and uncontrollable tremors are difficult for anyone to deal with. In pediatric patients, this difficulty can be unbearable for the child and family. One form of tremor is separated from over 20 types and is called essential tremors. Essential tremors are the most common movement disorder, but according to the Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders, essential tremors in children are extremely rare.
Cause
Essential tremors are labeled as a neurological disorder. Baylor College of Medicine states that pathology points to swelling of certain cells in the cerebellum, and this may be a source of the cause. Regardless of the reasoning, essential tremors seem to be genetically linked, as many family members pass on the traits. In a study published in Paediatric Drugs, it was noted that essential tremors in children are three times more prevalent in boys than in girls.
Symptoms
Essential tremors can affect various body parts including the head, legs, tongue and even voice. However, the most commonly affected body part are the hands. These tremors usually begin on one side of the body and gradually move to both sides over a long period of time. Symptoms can arrive during any age, but according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, they most commonly show after the age of 40.
Diagnosis
Children with essential tremors should be evaluated by a licensed physician to determine that it is not another disease. Lab and imaging tests may be ordered, but if it is truly essential tremors, the imaging studies will usually come back as normal. In most cases, neurological studies will be conducted to evaluate how often the tremor exists and what makes it worse.
Treatment
There is no cure for essential tremors, but several drugs such as propranolol or primidone can be used to lessen the severity of the symptoms. Due to the side effects of these drugs, essential tremors are usually left untreated unless the physician and family feels the benefit would outweigh the risks. It is also recommended that caffeine be avoided with patients who have tremors, as it has been shown to increase the symptoms.
