The essential tremor is a nervous system change that causes tremors in any part of the body, especially in the hands and arms when trying to do simple tasks such as using a glass, brushing teeth or tying the card, for example .
Generally, this type of tremor is not a serious problem as it is not triggered by any other disease, although it can often be confused with Parkinson's disease due to its similar symptoms.
The essential tremor has no cure, but the tremors can be controlled with the use of some medications prescribed by the neurologist, or physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles.
Treatment for essential tremor
Treatment for essential tremor should be guided by a neurologist and is usually only initiated when tremors prevent the completion of daily tasks. The most commonly used treatments include:
- High blood pressure medicines, such as Atenolol or Metoprolol: help reduce the onset of tremors;
- Remedies for epilepsy, such as Primidone or Gabapentin: Relieve tremors when high blood pressure medicines have no effect;
- Anxiolytic medicines, such as Alprazolam or Clonazepam: help alleviate the tremors that are aggravated by situations of stress and anxiety;
In addition, in more severe cases, it is still possible to perform a surgery to place a small device in the brain, similar to a pacemaker, that transmits small electrical impulses to regulate the action of the brain on the tremors.
When physiotherapy is required
Physiotherapy is recommended for all cases of essential tremor, but especially for more severe cases, where tremors make it difficult to perform some daily activities, such as eating, squeezing your shoes or combing your hair, for example.
In physical therapy sessions, the therapist, in addition to doing exercises to strengthen muscles, also teaches and trains different techniques to perform activities that are difficult, and can use different adapted equipment.
Difference with Parkinson's disease
Although tremors are almost always associated with Parkinson's disease, in this case they have some differences such as:
| Essential tremor | Parkinson's disease | |
| Emergence of tremors | Usually arise when using hands. | More frequent when the hands are at rest or resting beside the body. |
| Other diseases | It does not cause other changes in the body. | You can change the posture, change the way you walk and slow the movements. |
| Parts of body affected | Most common in hands, head and voice. | It usually starts in the hands, but can affect the legs, chin and other places. |
However, the best way to ensure that the tremor is not Parkinson's disease is to consult a neurologist to take the necessary tests and diagnose the disease by initiating appropriate treatment.
What causes this type of tremor
The main cause of essential tremor is a genetic change and therefore can be passed from parent to child. In this way, it is recommended to make genetic counseling if there is a history of the disease in the family and if you wish to become pregnant.
