Author: Gary Jackson

Tremor National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Some patients starting primidone may experience a “first dose phenomenon” during which they have transient feelings of unsteadiness, dizziness and nausea during the beginning stages of treatment. Sedation is another common side effect and can be reduced by following a slowly escalating dose schedule. Most patients are able to tolerate the side effects, and studies have shown that 60% to 100% of patients respond positively. Cerebellar tremor is typically a slow, big (high amplitude) tremor of the arms, legs, hands, or feet that worsens at the end of a purposeful movement such as pressing a button.

• Gabapentin and topiramate are two other anti-seizure medicines that are sometimes prescribed for essential tremor.
• Additionally, NINDS scientists are researching the impact of genetic changes on the development of essential tremor.
• The tremor may increase with attention and decrease or disappear when the person is distracted.
• A trained, qualified healthcare provider should be the one to diagnose and treat essential tremor.

Alcohol use may cause or worsen some types of tremor, while it may help others. Additional tests can help determine any functional limitations such as difficulty with handwriting or the ability to hold a fork or cup. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

Functional tremor

Most people experience tremors when they’re trying to do something, like tying their shoelaces. Other people may experience tremors when they’re not doing anything. In an autosomal dominant disorder, the changed gene is a dominant gene. It’s located on one of the nonsex chromosomes, called autosomes. Only one changed gene is needed to be affected by this type of condition.

Studies have found that the device can bring some improvement for tremors. For essential tremor in your hands, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections have shown some promise in easing the trembling. The injections are targeted to the specific muscles that are involved in the abnormal movement, while avoiding uninvolved muscles. Botox injections are typically recommended for patients with severe head tremor, and several studies have shown that the injections may significantly help head and voice tremors. Propanolol blocks the stimulating action of neurotransmitters to calm your trembling.

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With familial tremor, your child has a 50 percent chance of developing essential tremor if you already live with it. A wearable electronic peripheral nerve stimulation device (Cala Trio) is a newer treatment option for people with essential tremor. The device, which can be worn as a wristband for 40 minutes twice a day, works by stimulating peripheral nerves and muscles to create a muscle response that reduces tremors.

As essential tremor worsens, this condition can have more severe effects. People who have it may not be able to feed themselves or even cook because of how severely their hands shake. Others may not be able to write, dress, bathe or otherwise take care of themselves. In most people, the condition seems to be passed down from a parent to a child.

How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with tremor?

You should schedule to see your healthcare provider if you start to have unexplained shaking or tremors. Your healthcare provider will schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor your condition and adjust treatments as necessary. You should see them as recommended because these visits are important in helping you minimize this condition’s disruptive effects. Essential tremor is a movement disorder that causes parts of your body to shake.

Gabapentin and topiramate are two other anti-seizure medicines that are sometimes prescribed for essential tremor. In some cases, benzodiazepines such as alprazolam or clonazepam might be suggested. If primidone or propranolol are not effective by themselves, a combination of both may provide relief for some patients. Surgery might be an option if your tremors are severely disabling, and you don’t respond to medicines. Many different types of tremors exist, with ET being one example. It is important to know what kind of tremor you have because they all have different causes.