Essential tremor is a nervous system disease that causes trembling, most commonly in the hands, although it can affect any part of the body, according to MayoClinic.com. It usually is not a dangerous condition but can worsen as a person ages until it becomes quite severe. Essential tremor is most common in people over 40. The shaking caused by essential tremor usually begins gradually in the hands and worsens with movement. Treatments can help reduce the shaking.
Drugs
A class of high blood pressure drugs known as beta-blockers, which includes propranolol and atenolol, can reduce tremors for some people, according to MayoClinic.com. However, these drugs may cause problems for those with asthma, diabetes or certain heart problems. For those whose tremors don't respond to beta-blockers, some epilepsy drugs can help, including primidone and gabapentin. These drugs can cause sleepiness and flu-like symptoms, but the side effects are usually short-lived. These drugs do not cure the tremor but they can reduce it so that it's easier to perform daily activities, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Tranquilizers like diazepam and alprazolam can help people whose tremors are aggravated by stress and anxiety. But these drugs can cause confusion, memory loss and addiction. Sometimes botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is injected into the affected area to reduce the shaking by freezing the muscle temporarily. This is most commonly used when the tremors affect the head and voice because if used in the hands it can cause weakness in the fingers.
Physical Therapy
If essential tremor is interfering with normal activities, physical therapy may help reduce the problem, according to MayoClinic.com. Therapy exercises can help patients better control their hands so they can function more easily. Adaptive devices can make it easier to work around the shaking. These might include heavier dinnerware and special writing instruments that compensate for the effect shaking can have on handwriting.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Surgery is sometimes considered for those whose tremors are disabling and who don't respond to drugs. During surgery, an electrical probe is inserted into the part of the brain that causes the tremors, the thalamus. A tiny wire attached to the probe is embedded under the skin and snaked down to a device implanted into the chest. This device sends a small, painless electrical current to the probe so that the brain signals that cause the tremors are disrupted. This surgery can cause problems with muscle control, speech, balance, vision and permanent damage to the thinking parts of the brain that can lead to problems like learning difficulties. These side effects are rare.
Lifestyle Changes
Caffeine and other stimulants like those contained in certain cold medications can worsen essential tremor and are best avoided, according to MayoClinic.com. Small amounts of alcohol may temporarily help reduce shaking but the tremors worsen when the alcohol clears the body. Over time, it takes larger and larger amounts of alcohol to reduce the tremors, and this can lead to drinking problems. It's best to limit drinking as much as possible. Stress can make tremors worse, and doctors often recommend learning relaxation techniques or stress management. Sleep deprivation also aggravates tremors.
