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Cures for Trembling

Trembling, also known as essential tremor, most often affects the hands, though it can occur in any part of the body. Symptoms are most prominent when attempting to perform simple tasks such as writing, lifting a glass of water or trying to tie your shoes. Though it is not a life-threatening condition, the symptoms of essential tremor can become worse over time. Essential tremor can appear at any age, and according to the National Institutes of Health, more than 14 percent of people over 65 have it.

  1. Medication

    • Though people with mild essential tremor will not need to treat the condition, if your symptoms worsen, you may want to see your doctor about medication. Your doctor may prescribe beta blockers such as propranolol, atenolol and metoprolol to help control the trembling. Unfortunately, if you have pre-existing health conditions such as asthma or heart problems, you cannot take beta blockers. Other options are drugs used for epilepsy such as gabapentin and topiramate, and tranquilizers for people whose tremors are made worse by stress and anxiety. For people with tremors of the head and voice, Botox injections can help relieve symptoms for up to three months at a time. Botox is not useful for tremors of the hands.

    Therapy and Surgery

    • A physical therapist can teach you exercises to reduce tremors by improving muscle control and coordination. You may want to use heavier plates and utensils at home as well as wider pens and pencils when you write. If medication and therapy are ineffective, your doctor may recommend surgery. The procedure is called deep brain stimulation, where a long, electrical device is inserted into your thalamus. A wire from the probe is then pulled down under the skin of your chest, where a device is implanted. This device sends out electrical pulses that stop signals in the thalamus that are causing the tremors.

    Home Remedies

    • It is very important to moderate your intake of alcohol and caffeine. Stimulants like coffee produce adrenaline in the body, which leads to worse tremors. Alcohol may appear to calm your tremors, but once it wears off they will return in a more severe form. Addiction to alcohol to quell tremors is a major concern for those with the condition. The most important thing to do is to learn to relax since stress and fatigue are the most common cause of tremors. Getting the proper amount of sleep and exercise is paramount when trying to control your tremors.

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