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Essential Tremor: What Do We Know So Far About Its Treatment?

People with essential tremors tend to feel useless and frustrated because their hands could not stop trembling. Having this condition makes it difficult to perform even the simplest task or activity on a day to day basis.  

A lot of people get confused with essential tremors versus Parkinson’s disease because they present almost the same symptoms. A small percentage of people aged fifty years old and above are diagnosed with this condition. If you are one of them, do not lose hope. The good news is that there are several treatment options to manage the situation and give you a better quality of life.

Having essential tremors can diminish your quality of life, which can lead to other things such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Do not allow this condition to affect your life and well being.

When does this condition start to develop?

Based on studies and research, the early symptoms of essential tremors start to show up once the person is in his forties. Hands slightly tremble while cutting vegetables, sewing clothes, or writing. Since the symptoms are mild, most people do not take it seriously. After a couple of years, the condition becomes more severe. Making it very difficult for someone to perform even the simplest activities such as bathing, cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. People end up losing their independence, which affects their mental health.

What are the most common symptoms of essential tremors?

  • Your hands start shaking involuntary, especially whenever you are using them or performing a specific task.
  • Your voice may begin to tremble, which makes it difficult for others to comprehend what you are trying to say.
  • Your head may start shaking involuntarily as well. It can worsen as time goes by.

Are there possible treatment options for people with essential tremors?

If you are seeking for a cure for essential tremors, here are some of the most promising treatments that you can choose from.

The first option is by undergoing Neuravive treatment, which is a non-invasive procedure that can control the symptoms of this particular neurological disorder. The procedure is known for its high success rate of reducing or eliminating the classic symptoms of essential tremors.

The second option is to take beta-blockers or anti-hypertension medications to help control the symptoms. Drugs like Primidone and Propranolol are just two of the most popular medications that doctors recommend to reduce the signs and symptoms of essential tremors among patients. In case your doctor advises you to take beta-blockers, make sure to discuss any possible side effects of these medications such as fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and more.

Lastly, for more aggressive measures, you can opt for surgery or deep brain stimulation. A neurologist will insert a thin wire into your brain that is responsible for your tremors. The wire will continuously stimulate the brain to help patients live a healthy life. Should you consider surgery, talk to your doctor and discuss the risks that come with the procedure.

Image Credit: Essential Tremor stevepb/Shutterstock