Non-Surgical Treatments for Essential Tremor: Medicines, Therapy & Lifestyle Support

Non-Surgical Treatments for Essential Tremor: Medicines, Therapy & Lifestyle Support

Essential Tremor (ET) is the most common neurological movement disorder, and is widely misconstrued to be a form of nervousness, weakness, or a chronic disorder. Everyone exhibits the involuntary shaking of the hand as a primary symptom. This particular symptom makes even the simplest everyday activities, such as writing, drinking, eating, or even texting and calling, impossible.

Essential Tremor is unlikely to be fatal, but it can be entirely detrimental to the quality of life of patients, and can be the cause of their lost confidence and independence. For a long time, most patients deemed surgery as their only option for treatment and relied solely on this view. Fortunately, this is incorrect. Many patients have been successful in loosening the grip of Essential Tremor by availing themselves of treatment options that do not require surgery, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Having this knowledge makes it easier for patients to control (or treat) symptoms effectively and to engage in various daily functions with comfort, which adds to their quality of life.

What is Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder, with a majority of patients exhibiting a form of hand (or partial) rhythmic and chronic shaking (or tremor). Unlike other neurological disorders, when the body is at rest, the onset of essential tremor is only noticeable during some form of activity or when a patient is holding something.

ET is seen across the board of all age groups, but is more prevalent in the older generation. The disorder also has a genetic element and is highly likely to occur among related individuals.

Essential tremor is not like Parkinson’s disease, as other patients who experience Essential Tremor have difficulty writing or eating, and actions which are directly related to the rosary movement.

Common symptoms of essential tremor

The symptoms exhibited in patients are usually gradual in nature and often differ across patients.

Common signs include:

• Trembling hands during activities
• Difficulty writing clearly
• Trembling while eating or drinking
• Head shaking in some people
• Tremors in the voice
• Tremors that make fine motor tasks difficult
• Tremors that worsen with stress and fatigue

Some people have mild symptoms, while others have symptoms that affect them in all aspects of everyday life.

How is Essential Tremor Diagnosed?

There is no singular test for diagnosing essential tremor. Generally, a diagnosis is based on a neurological exam and the collection of an individual’s medical history.

Medical History

Doctors inquire about the following:

• When the tremors began
• Historical cases of tremors in the family
• If the symptoms are present with the individual at rest or in motion
• Tremors in social situations and the stress level of the individual

Neurological Examination

Neurologists will evaluate the following:

• Ability to perform voluntary movements
• Level of muscle strength
• Ability to maintain an upright position to perform the following
• Ability to respond to stimuli
• Presence and/or frequency of tremors
• Tremors of the individual

Additional Tests

To eliminate issues with the thyroid, Parkinson’s Disease, or other neurological disorders, an MRI and bloodwork may sometimes be recommended.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Essential Tremor

Treatment for essential tremors depends on the symptoms and in what capacity they limit the person’s ability to perform their activities of daily living.

Medications for Essential Tremor

Medications are typically the first approach for individuals experiencing moderate tremors.

Beta Blockers

To a certain degree, Beta Blockers are effective in reducing the severity of tremors. Other treatments may assist in calming erratic functions of the muscles and improve an individual’s ability to control their hands.

Anti-Seizure Medications

In some patients, certain anti-seizure medications may be effective in reducing symptoms of shaking.

Other Medications

In specific situations, other medications may be prescribed based on the overall health of the patient and the symptoms that are present.

Because each person responds to medications in their own way, the results may be significant or minor.

Side Effects of Tremor Medications

Tremor medications are not any different from other medications in that they can produce side effects.

Side effects are:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Decreased blood pressure
• Drowsiness

Physicians pay careful attention to the dosage in order to balance control of the symptoms against the side effects.

Essential Tremor and Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a great choice for those who have challenges with daily activities.

These therapists teach clients how to master skills that can help them with improved hand control and lessen the impact of tremors on daily tasks.

Favourable Techniques Include:

• Weighted utensils
• Adaptive writing instruments
• Displaying safer ways to grasp items
• Upright posture and better hand placement

While these adjustments may seem small, they make a world of difference for the individual using them!

Physiotherapy and Exercise

It is common knowledge that a regular fitness routine has numerous positive effects on the overall wellness of the individual, including emotional health.

Exercise plays a role in:

• Piloting a new course for balance and calm
• Improving the flexibility of muscles
• A more upright posture and the importance of control in the movements of the hands

The addition of low-impact activities such as walking, yoga, and swimming is a great way to decrease the stress that causes tremors.

The Support of a New Routine

When it comes to Essential Tremor, lifestyle adjustments are paramount and become a larger focus when learning how to manage symptoms.

Controlling Stress and Anxiety

It is known that emotional stress can cause the hands to shake more.

Some methods for better control of stress have proven to be breathing deeply, yoga, and other types of relaxation therapy, complemented by supportive counselling if needed.

The Relaxation of Sleep

Consistent sleep can cause the nervous system and tremors to become more relaxed.

Less Stimulants

Excess caffeine can cause nervous system overstimulation.

Less Alcohol

Although for many people a short drink can improve tremors, it is not a safe and valid treatment or approach to use alcohol repeatedly.

Understanding the Emotional Impact of Essential Tremor

Essential tremor can trigger embarrassment or self-consciousness in people because of the visible shaking. This can be much worse in young people. Severe self-consciousness can lead to a lack of confidence in social and professional situations.

Therapy and support groups can relieve emotional turmoil and improve coping mechanisms.

When Advanced Treatments are Necessary

Most patients respond to non-invasive treatments. However, advanced methods may be the only choice for severe symptoms.

These include:

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
• MR-guided Focused Ultrasound

When drugs can no longer achieve sufficient symptom control, then the above-mentioned advanced methods are warranted.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider?

Advice from a specialist healthcare professional is warranted when:

• Tremors are committed and severe
• Simple activities of daily living are impaired
• Performance of one’s occupation and the maintenance of self-confidence are adversely affected
• Tremors are an additional problem to the disruption of balance and coordination

Prompt diagnosis encourages longer employment and better symptom control.

The Bottom Line

Functions of daily living can become severely compromised by essential tremor, affecting both self-confidence and the ability to achieve independence. The good news is that there are many treatment options in addition to surgery.

Many strategies can achieve symptom control, including medication, therapy, physical exercise, emotional and stress control, and healthy lifestyle changes. These means can empower the affected individuals to lead more successful and productive lives.

For a formal diagnosis to determine the best treatment approach, each person affected by symptomatic tremors ought to visit a neurologist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there treatment options for essential tremor besides surgery?
There are treatment options for essential tremor besides surgery. Many patients achieve symptom control using therapy, medication, exercise, and lifestyle change.

2. Does stress worsen essential tremor?
Stress and anxiety have been known to worsen symptoms of essential tremor.

3. What type of doctor treats essential tremor?
Neurologists are trained to diagnose and manage essential tremor and other movement disorders.