Benign tremors – Essential tremor

Description of essential tremor

Good, or essential tremor (DT, ET) – movement disorder, which is most often characterized by trembling hands. It occurs in approximately 10% people over the age of 60 years. It may also cause shaking of the head, votes, Hand and body, and often less than, legs and feet. There are two types of diesel fuel:

• Postural tremor – jitter occurs only in a specific position, eg, while drawing hands;
• Kinetic tremor – tremor worsens during certain actions, such as food or shaving.

In some cases, DT may lead to social isolation. It can interfere with normal daily activities, such as a letter or speech. In this case, you need to see a doctor to assess the degree of disorder.

Causes of essential tremor

The cause of ET is unknown. But, he often is inherited, it is often called familial tremor. Children of parents with ET have 50% chance of inheriting the condition.

In cases, when there is no family history of tremor, may play a role other factors, toxins such as, although this is only a guess. It is believed, that essential tremor arises from abnormalities in the brain. Until this issue is investigated.

Risk factors essential tremor

Family history of tremors is the only known risk factor for ET. Although the condition can occur at any age, It most often occur in people older 40 years.

Essential tremor symptoms

ET, usually, not dangerous, but its severity may vary and worsen over time. Symptoms may include:

• Tremor, arises when moving limbs, resting tremor is not;
• Uncontrollable, rhythmic movements;
• Trembling hands, chairman, voice, trunk, legs;
• Trembling only when performing certain activities;
• Problems with fine motor skills – drawing lessons, sewing, or playing a musical instrument;
• Jitter is enhanced by caffeine, stress, fatigue, or heat;
• Hearing loss (Some cases, associated with hearing loss);
• Problems, related to social, functional or professional ability.

It is believed that the story is not associated with other diseases.

Diagnosis of essential tremor

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, the presence in the family of patients with ET, and perform a physical examination, paying particular attention to the central nervous system. Currently, there are no special tests to diagnose ET. But, perhaps, We need to carry out blood tests, Urine, or other tests (eg, MRT), to rule out other causes, eg:

• Parkinson's Disease;
• Increased thyroid hormone;
• Low blood sugar;
• Stroke;
• The effects of medication.

Treatment of essential tremor

Most cases do not require treatment ET. Mild tremors may be reduced or even eliminated by simple measures. Recommended:

• Good rest;
• Avoid caffeine;
• Avoid stimulants, often found in cold remedies;
• Avoid extreme heat.

Ask your doctor about medicines, which can cause symptoms ET. If the symptoms are alarming, the following may be helpful treatment options:

Medication

• Beta Blockers, such as propranolol (medicines for high blood pressure);
• Anticonvulsants, such as primidone, gabapentin, topiramate, zonizamidom;
• Sedatives (benzodiazepines);
• Olanzapine (antipsychotics);
• Injection of botulinum toxin (It used in rare cases).

Operation

In rare cases,, When the tremor is very strong and medications do not help, for ET treatment option may be surgery. There are two approaches.

• Deep brain stimulation – transmit painless electrical impulses to the brain, interrupting the abnormal signals;
• Talamotomija – It destroyed a tiny part of the brain, which generates pulses of tremor.

Prevention of essential tremor

At the moment, there are no methods, allowing to prevent essential tremor.