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What exactly is essential tremor? -

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that affects the muscles in the body, particularly in one's extremities.

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The symptoms of essential tremor -

The main characteristic of essential tremor is, of course, a recurring tremor and twitching of the muscles. As essential tremor develops, it usually affects one side of the body more than the other, and often starts in the hands.

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Is essential tremor dangerous? -

Thankfully, essential tremor usually doesn't pose any physical or neurological danger, but in severe cases it can make life increasingly difficult.

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Different types of tremors -

As is the case with other tremor disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, there are two primary types of tremor movements that can affect those living with essential tremor.

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Kinetic tremor and postural tremor -

The first tremor classification is known as kinetic tremor, which is triggered by a voluntary movement such as reaching your arm out or blinking your eyes. Postural tremor, on the other hand, refers to tremors that occur when one position is being held, such as holding your arm in the air or bending your knees.

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The most common tremor disorder -

Essential tremor is the world's most common type of tremor disorder, beating out Parkinson's disease, neuropathic tremor, and Wilson's disease, along with others.

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How many people live with essential tremor? -

It is estimated that about 1% of the world's total population lives with essential tremor. For adults over the age of 60, that number rises to 5% of the global population.

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Which age group is most affected by essential tremor? -

Essential tremor can develop at any age and has even been diagnosed in newborns, but it is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 40.

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What causes essential tremor? -

Research has shown that around 50% of essential tremor cases are hereditary and come from altered DNA passed through genetics. This type of essential tremor is commonly called familial tremor. For the other half of essential tremor cases where there is no altered DNA, experts are still unsure how the condition develops.

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Common risk factors -

The existence of familial tremor makes a family history of essential tremor and the presence of altered DNA one of the primary risk factors for the condition. Age is also taken into account, as the chances of developing ET rise as individuals get older.

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Tremors and genetics -

The hereditary transfer of genes altered for essential tremor is simple, and doesn't skip generations. If you have a parent with essential tremor, there is a 50% chance you will develop the condition as well.

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Tremors at their extremes -

Severe essential tremor can cause serious complications that can make day-to-day life nearly impossible. Extreme tremors can make daily tasks like eating, drinking, writing, and even talking increasingly difficult.

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ET and isolation -

Folks living with essential tremor can sometimes drive themselves into isolation if they harbor embarrassment about their condition. Especially as they move further into old age, people with essential tremor can become reclusive. If you have a friend or a loved one with essential tremor, it's important to check in on them.

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Diagnosing essential tremor -

Cases of essential tremor are diagnosed through empirical observation and reviewing an individual's personal and family medical history. Diagnoses are often found through a process of elimination, after doctors rule out any other possible conditions or diseases that could be causing the tremor.

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Common misdiagnoses -

That being said, essential tremor isn't always seen for what it is. Most commonly, ET is misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease, despite the fact that essential tremor is about eight times more common than Parkinson's.

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ET vs. Parkinson's -

Despite both conditions being commonly characterized by the presence of a tremor, there are many key differences between Parkinson's and essential tremor.

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The timing of the tremors -

One way in which ET and Parkinson's differ is the timing and nature of the tremors. In essential tremor, muscles usually act up when one's limbs are in active use. Parkinson's tremors, on the other hand, usually occur when an individual's limbs are in a latent position, such as when their arms are hanging at their sides.

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Associated conditions -

Another notable difference is that there usually aren't any other conditions associated with essential tremor. Parkinson's disease is known to be accompanied by any number of other health issues.

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Affected parts of the body -

While both ET and Parkinson's tend to start in the hands, the other parts of the body the two conditions can spread to, and the extent to which they can spread, are quite different. Parkinson's commonly spreads to one's legs, neck, and arms, while essential tremor usually only affects the hands, head, and sometimes the tongue and voice box.

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Voice tremors -

Yes, essential tremor can even affect your tongue and voice box. These types of tremors can make it difficult to talk and can change a person's tone, inflection, pitch, or pronunciation without notice.

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Living with ET -

Many people with essential tremor live active and fulfilling lives, but as we have seen, the condition can also make life very difficult. Thankfully, there are a number of treatments available to help ease the symptoms of ET.

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Treating ET -

The is no cure for essential tremor, and once the condition starts developing the symptoms usually only increase. There are, however, many available avenues toward relief.

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Does medicine help? -

There are numerous medications that can help alleviate the symptoms of ET. Beta blockers such as propranolol, most commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, have been known to help calm ET tremors. Tranquilizers and anti-seizure medicines like clonazepam and gabapentin can also provide significant relief. It's important to always consult your doctor before experimenting with prescription drugs.

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Mind and body -

As is the case with many neurological disorders, mental health can make a huge difference in the severity of essential tremor. Stress and fatigue can easily exasperate the symptoms of ET.

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What to avoid -

Many substances can also make ET symptoms worse. It's best for people living with essential tremor to avoid things life caffeine and alcohol at all costs.

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Day-to-day relief -

Experts say that making rest and relaxation a priority can be the ticket to a more happy and manageable life with essential tremor. Other therapeutic activities like massage and meditation are also recommended.

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Famous figures with ET -

Despite being eight times more common than Parkinson's disease, essential tremor doesn't quite share the amount of fame. Prominent figures like Michael J. Fox have done incredible work to make Parkinson's more understandable to the general public, and while the Michael J. Fox Foundation does do work that greatly benefits ET in addition to Parkinson's, essential tremor doesn't seem to have the same type of celebrity face. So, who are some famous figures who live with essential tremor?

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Katharine Hepburn -

Likely the most famous person to live with essential tremor was none other than the eternal star of classic Hollywood, Katharine Hepburn. Hepburn embraced her condition, and her trembling hands and quivering voice became characteristic staples of her illustrious acting career.

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Julian Fellowes -

Julian Fellowes, a member of England's House of Lords and, more famously, the writer and creator of the immensely popular 'Downton Abbey' series, also lives with essential tremor.

Sources: (Brain and Life Magazine) (Mayo Clinic) (International Essential Tremor Foundation)

See also: Learn more about Parkinson's disease

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