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What Are the Symptoms of Baseline Essential Tremor?

When you think of shaking hands, you're probably inclined to associate it with Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder. But there are milder forms of shaking known as essential tremors, which occur in a relatively small amount of people. And while they affect up to 14 percent of people 65 and older, tremors can occur at any age.

  1. Location

    • Essential tremors most often affect the upper portion of the body. The most common area is in the arms, but you can also develop a tremor in your head, neck or voice. Tremors are most notable in the hands, when simple tasks such as drinking a glass of water can magnify the condition.

    Causes

    • Most essential tremors seem to occur because of a genetic mutation, also known as a "familiar tremor." Doctors do not know what causes essential tremors among individuals who do not possess the genetic mutation. Contrary to previous beliefs, tremors are not the result of another disease.

    Symptoms

    • If you develop essential tremors, they will likely slowly develop in the hands first. Tremors grow worse as the affected areas are voluntarily moved, and when they spread to the head, they can induce nodding or head-shaking motions. A number of internal and external factors can also worsen tremors, including stress, fatigue, extreme heat or cold, and caffeine, according to MayoClinic.com.

    Treatment

    • Your doctor might prescribe a number of different drugs to try to alleviate essential tremors, including beta blockers, anti-seizure medications or tranquilizers. Some doctors also use Botulinum toxin type A injections, otherwise known as Botox. The Botox can combat tremors by paralyzing muscles and be effective for up to three months. Various therapies are also available, and for severe cases of tremors, surgery to correct the defective part of your brain causing the tremors might be an option.

    Considerations

    • Essential tremors are not the same as Parkinson's disease, although it might significantly increase your chances of developing Parkinson's, according to a report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. A good way to differentiate between the two is to take note of when tremors are at their worst. If you have essential tremors, your hands will shake most when in use. If your hands are most violent when idle at your sides or in your lap, you might have Parkinson's.

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