Overview
Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological condition that causes shaking of the hands, head and voice, but it can also cause the legs and trunk to shake.
Some people even have a feeling of internal tremor. ET is often confused with Parkinson’s disease although it’s eight times more common, affecting an estimated 10 million Americans.
How it differs from Parkinson’s
Essential tremor is sometimes confused with Parkinson’s disease because both cause unintentional movement. The main difference is that an essential tremor is an action tremor, mostly occurring when muscles are working. Parkinson’s is a resting tremor, occurring when muscles are relaxed. Essential tremor is also far more common.
Symptoms of essential tremor
The primary symptoms associated with essential tremor include:
- Uncontrollable shaking that occurs for brief periods of time
- Begins gradually, usually on one side of the body
- Occurs in the hands first, affecting one hand or both
- Can include a shaking voice or tremor of the head
- Nodding head
- Worsening during periods of emotional stress and purposeful movement
Diagnosing essential tremor
There is no specific test for essential tremor. It is identified through a thorough exam, analysis of family history, and ruling out other causes. Tests may include:
- Physical and/or neurologic exam, with checks of your reflexes, sensations and coordination
- Checks of your ability to do certain tasks such as drinking from a glass or drawing a spiral
- Questions about your family and medical history
- Blood and urine tests
- Imaging, such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
Essential tremor treatment options
Your care team at MedStar Heath will tailor a treatment plan to your needs. We are dedicated to helping you control symptoms so you can do the things that are important to you. Treatment options include:
- Avoiding triggers and using relaxation techniques to lower stress.
- Medications
- Beta blockers, anti-seizure drugs and tranquilizers may reduce tremors.
- Focused Ultrasound
Locations
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MedStar Health: Neuroscience at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road, NW Pasquerilla Healthcare Center 7th Floor Washington, D.C., 20007
MedStar Health Neurology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center Neuroscience Center
110 Irving St., NW East Building Ste. G019 Washington, D.C., 20010
MedStar Health Neurology at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
3304 Guilford Ave. Baurenschmidt Bldg Ste. 487 Baltimore, MD 21218
MedStar Health Neurology at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center Weinberg Building
9103 Franklin Square Drive Weinberg Building Suite 302 Baltimore, MD 21237
MedStar Health Neurology at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
25500 Point Lookout Rd. Outpatient Pavilion 2nd Floor Leonardtown, MD 20650
MedStar Health: Surgical and Interventional Neurology at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9000 Franklin Square Dr. 2nd Fl. Baltimore, MD 21237