What Causes Essential Tremor? Understanding the Science Behind the Condition

What Causes Essential Tremor? Understanding the Science Behind the Condition

Everyone experiences hand tremors at some point. It can be from too much caffeine, being overly tired, or having too much stress. Everyone can also sympathize with having hand tremors during stressful times, like at a presentation. But hand tremors can also be a sign of a more serious disorder or disease if they become a permanent fixture. This can be a sign of Essential Tremor disorder (ET), which is classified as a neurological disorder.

Essential tremors are the most common among the movement disorders and are rapidly increasing within the global population. There are many misconceptions surrounding the existence of essential tremors, as they have often been classified or compared to Parkinson’s disease, a fast-ageing neurological disease. Essential tremor can manifest at younger ages (e.g. young adults) among the global population as well.

There is much that is unknown about essential tremors, but research is at the forefront, and scientists have a strong belief that both the genetics and the nerves among the population have a strong influence on the existence of essential tremors.

This article will outline the main aspects of essential tremors, including the symptoms, the science behind it, and the diagnosis of essential tremors, as well as the main contributing factors.

What Is Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor is classified as a neurological movement disorder that causes the individual to involuntarily shake. There is no known cause for this disorder, but it is most recognized to affect the hands; however, it can affect the hands and arms, and can even cause tremors in the voice as well.

There is a permanent tremor among patients with Parkinson’s, but in essential tremor, there is a need to hold a posture for the tremor to manifest. Symptoms can also remain lifelong and even mild among many patients. For some others, they can manifest and cause disruption or interfere with daily acts such as eating and even drinking.

What Causes Essential Tremor?

It’s not entirely known what exactly causes Essential Tremor (ET). Research suggests there might be some abnormal conductance in certain brain structures.

Deteriorating Internal and External Rhythm Communication

The brain consists of a multitude of nerve cells that communicate through electrical and chemical signals. These signals can be disordered in the case of Essential Tremor.

Some researchers investigate brain communication through the cerebellum. The cerebellum plays a role in motor coordination, balance and muscle movement. If there is poor coordination in all the communication channels, there might be involuntary shaking.

Genetics

The family history of tremors is considered one of the strongest risk factors for ET.

If tremors exist in the family, some of the individuals suffering from ET may have a relative suffering from a similar condition. The family history of tremors is thought to be a genetic component for ET.

It is estimated that nearly half of the total cases of Essential Tremor may be caused by genetics. This type of tremor is referred to as familial tremor.

A family history of tremors is not observed in all the cases of ET. Therefore, it may not be completely justified that the rest are due to some other factors.

Age

Essential Tremor may occur at any age. Despite being observed at all ages, cases of essential tremor are reported to be significantly higher amongst older individuals.

It is believed that with changes in brain function due to ageing, the symptoms of ET may also increase in severity. The condition is not directly caused by the ageing of an individual.

Causes of Intensified Tremors

Stress and Anxiety

Emotional stress triggers intensified tremors for a lot of people. You may experience increased tremors during stressful times such as certain emotional situations, public speaking, or during exams.

Sleep Deprivation

Poor sleep may cause your tremors to worsen as a result of stress on your nervous system.

Excess Caffeine

Tremors may be worsened in people whose nervous systems are overly stimulated by caffeine.

Fatigue

Tremors may worsen if you are physically overexerted or fatigued.

Certain Medications

Some medications’ side effects may also include worsened tremors. Patients should discuss their concerns with their physician if they feel the need to stop taking the medication.

What Are the Symptoms of Essential Tremor?

The symptoms of essential tremor worsen over time, and the degree of the symptoms may vary from person to person.

Some common symptoms are:

• Tremors of the hands while performing tasks
• Difficulty in writing or eating without spilling
• Tremors in the head or voice
• Difficulty in performing small tasks
• Worsened symptoms while fatigued or stressed

Tremors usually affect both sides of the body, although one side of the body may be impacted more.

How Is Essential Tremor Diagnosed?

Currently, there are no definitive tests to determine if a person has essential tremors. Diagnosing essential tremors is primarily done by assessing symptoms after performing a neurological evaluation.

Medical History

Some questions your physician may ask during this evaluation are:

• When did you first begin noticing tremors?
• Do your symptoms worsen during movement or at rest?
• Does your family have a history of tremors?
• What medications are you currently taking?
• What lifestyle habits do you have that may act as a trigger?

Neurological Examination

A neurologist will assess the following:

• How are your tremors patterned
• Strength of your muscles
• How your reflexes are
• How well you can control your movements
• How well you can maintain your balance
• How you walk

You may be asked to perform certain tasks, such as writing or drawing a shape, or you may be requested to hold an object.

Further Testing

Shaking can also be caused by disorders that can be discovered through blood testing. These disorders include:

• Thyroid disorders
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Metabolic disorders

Alternative testing may include an MRI.

Is There a Cure For Essential Tremor?

There is no definitive cure for essential tremor. Nevertheless, many individuals can utilize treatment options and successfully control their symptoms.

Treatment options may be:

• Medications
• Occupational therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Stress management
• Lifestyle changes
• Advanced treatment options, like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or MR-guided Focused Ultrasound

The selected treatment option must be individualized. The severity of the symptoms helps determine the most appropriate treatment.

Coping With Essential Tremor

Essential Tremor may be irritating or frustrating; however, many are able to cope with the condition and continue to live a healthy, independent lifestyle. Being aware of the triggers, following treatment recommendations from their physician, and maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviours all contribute to successful coping.

Essential tremor is also frustrating because individuals are often diagnosed with other diseases. This condition is best diagnosed early to prevent a misdiagnosis of other neurological disorders and allow patients to seek early treatment before essential tremor significantly impacts their quality of life.

Closing Thoughts

Essential Tremor is a frequently observed neurological condition. The cause is unexplainable; however, many believe the cause is in the brain pathways and is strongly attributable to genetics, changes in brain communication and age.

Although the Essential Tremor condition is incurable, it is easily diagnosed and managed. The symptoms can greatly decrease, and the quality of life can be improved with the available treatment options. If someone has been experiencing persistent shaking, they should be evaluated by a neurologist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes essential tremors?
While stress can aggravate tremors, it doesn’t cause them.

2. Are essential tremors genetic?
Yes, there is a strong genetic component to essential tremors.

3. Do essential tremors affect adolescents?
Essential tremors are more prevalent among older adults, but adolescents and young adults can be diagnosed as well.