What is essential tremor?
Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological movement disorder that leads to tremors (involuntary shaking) in various parts of the body. While essential tremor most commonly affects the hands and arms, it can also impact other areas such as the head, voice and even the legs or torso.
As ET progresses, it can become more severe, significantly interfering with everyday activities. Tasks that are often taken for granted, like eating, drinking, writing or dressing, can become challenging and frustrating. The tremors can make these activities more difficult and, in some cases, even impossible or unsafe.
In addition to the physical difficulties, essential tremor can also take an emotional toll. Many people with the condition experience feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness, particularly when their symptoms are noticeable to others. Coping with essential tremor often requires both medical treatment and emotional support to manage the physical and psychological impact of the disorder.
Essential tremor symptoms
The main symptom of essential tremor is shaking, especially in the hands, when you're trying to use them. This shaking can happen in different ways and usually occurs during certain activities.
The most common types of tremors include:
- Action tremor: This happens when you do something with your hands, like reaching for an object or holding something.
- Postural tremor: This occurs when you hold part of your body in a certain position, like keeping your arm outstretched or your hand at a specific height.
Essential tremor usually affects both sides of the body, but one side may be more affected than the other. While shaking in the hands is the most common, tremors can also affect the head, voice, face and trunk.
Although the shaking itself isn’t usually harmful, it can make everyday tasks more difficult as the condition progresses. Over time, you might have trouble doing things like eating with utensils, drinking from a glass, dressing yourself or writing. This can make it harder to maintain your independence and quality of life.
When to see a doctor
See your primary care provider if you develop a new tremor or an existing one worsens. Let your provider know if shaking or other symptoms make it difficult to do your job, complete routine tasks at home or enjoy your hobbies. Your provider may refer you to a neurologist.
Essential tremor causes
The exact cause of essential tremor is unknown, but it involves abnormal activity in certain areas of the brain responsible for movement control.
One thing that is well-established is that essential tremor can run in families. About half of all cases are inherited, meaning genetics play a significant part in its occurrence. Essential tremor is typically passed down in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that if one of your parents carries the mutated gene associated with the condition, you have a 50% chance of inheriting it as well. This genetic link makes it more likely that people with a family history of essential tremor will develop it themselves.
Essential tremor risk factors
Several factors can increase the chances of developing essential tremor, including:
- Genetics (inherited gene): If you have a family member with essential tremor, your chances of developing it are higher. The inherited form, called familial tremor, is passed down in an autosomal dominant way, meaning that if one parent has the condition, there’s a 50% chance you’ll inherit it as well. Just one parent passing on the altered gene can be enough for the condition to develop.
- Age: Essential tremor is more common in people over 40. As we get older, the chances of developing the condition increase. While it’s usually seen in older adults, it can start earlier in some cases.
If you have a family history of essential tremor or are noticing symptoms, it's a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you understand your risk and provide guidance on managing the condition.
How is essential tremor diagnosed?
There is no single test that can directly diagnose essential tremor. Instead, your doctor will gather information from your medical history, conduct a physical exam and order some tests to rule out other conditions that could be causing the shaking. All of this information helps your doctor confirm whether you have essential tremor and create a personalized plan to help manage the condition.
Essential tremor treatment
For some people with essential tremor, treatment may not be necessary if the symptoms are mild and don’t interfere with daily life. However, if your tremors are making it hard to work, take care of yourself or enjoy everyday activities, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options. There are different ways to manage ET, and your doctor can help you find the solution that works best for you.
Find specialized essential tremor care near you
If you or a loved one is dealing with essential tremors, Baylor Scott & White Health is here to help. With multiple locations across North and Central Texas, we can provide the care you need to regain control and enhance your quality of life. From diagnosis to tailored treatment plans, therapy and advanced surgical options, we’re with you every step of the way, offering comprehensive care to meet your needs.
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