Essential Tremor
Description
A fine shaking of the extremities, more likely to involve the hands, that becomes worse with activity such as drinking a glass of water. By definition there is not a neurologic cause or disease process causing the symptoms. It is more common in those over 65 with up to 14% of this population group affected.
Symptoms
Fine tremor of the hands, feet or head. The symptoms are worse with activity and become accentuated with stress.
Tests
A history and physical exam can usually establish the diagnosis. At times other causes of the symptoms will be ruled out by performing tests.
- CT Scan
- thyroid blood Tests
Treatment
Therapy depends on the extent of the symptoms and some patients do not require treatment. Medications used to decrease the symptoms include: beta blockers (propranolol/Inderal), anti-seizure medications (primidone/Mysoline, gabapentin/Neurontin, topiramate/Topamax), benzodiazepines (diazepam/Valium, aprazolam/Xanax), and Botox injections. Rarely neurosurgery is necessary for severe symptoms.
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