admin July 14, 2026
Common Mistakes People Make After Being Diagnosed with Essential Tremor and How to Avoid Them
A diagnosis of essential tremor can be an emotional experience. It can provide a sense of relief for some. Others become concerned about how the tremor will impact their daily life.
There is some reason for optimism with essential tremor. It is non-life-threatening. Many people maintain a full, active, independent lifestyle. Misconceptions and misinformation about essential tremor can lead to mistakes following the diagnosis.
Avoiding the following common mistakes can lead to an improved quality of life and better control of symptoms.
What is Essential Tremor?
Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder characterized by involuntary shaking or a tremor. Essential tremor is most commonly associated with shaking of the hands and arms. Usually, the tremor becomes apparent when the person is in the process of, or about to, engage in an activity (i.e. writing, eating, drinking, or holding a cup).
Essential tremor most commonly affects the hands, but it can also affect the head, voice, jaw, and, less frequently, the legs.
Essential tremor (ET) can be difficult to distinguish from Parkinson’s disease. Generally, ET tremors manifest during the process of a movement or a posture that requires the person to be active rather than when the person is at rest, which is the case for Parkinson’s disease.
Symptoms of Essential Tremor
Essential tremors vary significantly between individuals. That said, some of these common symptoms include:
- Tremors in one or both hands
- Difficulty writing neatly
- Tremors when trying to hold a cup, utensil, or a small object
- Stress or anxiety-related tremors
- Tremors when using tools or electronics
- Nodding or shaking of the head
- Shakiness in voice
- Worsening symptoms over time
Mild symptoms can persist for several years before someone goes to see a medical professional.
Diagnosing Essential Tremor
Currently, there is no singular test that can conclusively identify essential tremor. Typically, a diagnosis occurs when a neurologist has conducted a thorough evaluation.
During diagnosis, the doctor may:
- Inquire about your symptoms and your medical history.
- Inquire about your family history in order to assess genetic essential tremor.
- Observe your tremor during rest and movement.
- Ask that you write or draw a spiral.
- Analyze your balance, coordination, and muscle strength.
- Evaluate if tremors are caused by other neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease.
To rule out other causes of tremors, some doctors may order a blood test or MRI.
Mistakes Once Diagnosis is Received
Focusing on the outcome of the diagnosis is only the first step. How you address the condition after receiving a diagnosis can make a difference.
1. Disregarding the Condition
Some individuals feel that because the essential tremor is not life-threatening, it does not warrant a medical follow-up.
Symptoms can change over time. Meeting with your neurologist on a regular basis makes sure your concerns are treated and your therapy is still right.
2. Assuming All Tremors Are the Same
Not all tremors mean you have essential tremor. Muscle stiffness, slow movement, and poor balance can be signs of a different neurological disorder.
If you notice significant changes in your symptoms, don’t just think they are part of essential tremor. Get evaluated.
3. Avoiding Normal Activities
Once people start to shake and notice it, some begin to avoid all social functions, and some even avoid restaurants or places where they can begin to notice their tremors.
While this is understandable, it is important to note that not attending functions can make people feel emotionally unwell, and it can also take a toll on your mental health. Stay socially active.
4. Not Taking Your Medication
Taking any prescribed medication sporadically can make that medication ineffective.
Medication can be hard to take, especially if it is not helping, but never take medication less than prescribed or more, without consulting your provider.
5. Not Paying Attention to Habits
Your daily habits can make your tremors worse.
Some signs of poor habits are inadequate sleep and poor mental health.
While treating the cause of tremors can be beneficial using medication, make sure to take care of all the symptoms that can cause your tremors to be worse.
6. Refusing to Use Aids
A lot of people feel like using some of the aids to help them get through day-to-day activities is admitting that you need help, but that is just not true.
Weighted silverware and spill-resistant cups, as well as apparatus that help assist writing, can all help a person do a task better and still help them feel a sense of independence.
7. Delaying Specialized Care
If tremors impact your day-to-day tasks like eating, writing, or personal care, rather than trying to deal with it, you need to talk to your neurologist about other treatment options.
Your quality of life and symptoms can greatly improve with modern treatment options.
Effective Management of Essential Tremor
While it is not always possible to prevent essential tremors, symptoms can be managed with relative ease.
The following are good practices to establish:
- Make regular checkup appointments with your neurologist.
- Fill and take medications as directed.
- Maintain your strength/sense of balance with regular exercise.
- Get quality sleep every night.
- Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
- If caffeine causes tremors, abstain.
- Stay physically active.
- Maintain a balanced and consistent diet.
- Ask for help when you have difficulty with daily tasks.
To identify personal symptom triggers, some people find it helpful to keep a diary of symptoms.
More Invasive Treatment Options
Patients with uncontrolled tremors that are unresponsive to medication have more options.
MRG-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) is one of these options. MRgFUS is a focused ultrasound energy technique that is completely noninvasive and less disruptive to recovery than other surgical options. The decision to use this treatment is based on medical necessity and can be determined by a neurologist with advanced training.
Living Positively with Essential Tremor
Just because you have essential tremor doesn’t mean you have to give up your favourite activities or your independence. Many people are able to travel, work, and live full lives with the right treatment. Often, people are able to live fulfilling lives without significant adjustments.
Knowing your essential tremor, knowing the common mistakes that people make, and regularly checking in with your doctor to update your treatment plan means that you have the ability to live your life the way you want to without letting the tremors dominate.
Your symptoms and your body are constantly changing. It is always best to check in with your doctor as soon as you notice changes to your symptoms rather than waiting for your regular appointment. Often there will be more treatment options available the sooner you seek help.
FAQs
1. Is essential tremor a serious condition?
There are not usually life-threatening consequences of essential tremor. The symptoms can be debilitating and disruptive to daily life. Treatment combined with a few lifestyle changes makes a big difference for most people.
2. Can stress make essential tremor worse?
Stress can absolutely make tremors worse. The best treatment is therapy to manage your stress, but also good sleep habits and less stress.
3. When should I see a neurologist again after diagnosis?
The general recommendation is that you go to the neurologist for a follow-up and regular appointment. You should go sooner if the tremors worsen and are affecting more body parts or if the tremors are affecting your daily life despite treatment.