Essential Tremor (ET) benign condition of the nervous system that causes a rythmic shaking. It involves small, rapid movements usually in the hands but can also occur in the head, eyelids, or other muscles. ET is sometimes confused with Parkinson's. However, the shaking in those with ET is usually happens during movement whereas the shaking in those with Parkinson's usually occurs when there is no movement (hands on lap or by the side). The tremor rarely affects the legs or feet. People with ET may have trouble holding or using small objects such as silverware or writing utensils. Everyone has some tremor but the movements are so small that they are not noticable. ET is more common in people older than 65 but can happen at any age.
What Causes Essential Tremor?
Tremors occur when there is a problem with the nerves that supply certain muscles. Some research suggests that the part of the brain that controls muscles movements does not work correctly in patients with ET however the exact cause is not known.
ET can also occur with other brain and nervous system problems such as parkinson's disease and certain nerve conditions passed down through families. Many times, ET occurs in more than one member of a family. When multiple family members have ET, it is called a Familial Tremor. This suggests that genes may play a role in its cause. You only need to get the gene from one parent to develop the tremor. Familial Tremor often starts in early middle age, but may be seen in people who are older or younger.
1) Head nodding
2) Shaking or quivering sound to the voice if the tremor affects the voice box
3) Problems with writing, drawing, drinking from a cup, or using tools
4) Occur when you move (action-related tremor), and may be less noticeable with rest
5) May come and go, but often get worse as you age
6) May get worse with stress, caffeine, and certain medications
7) May not affect both sides of the body the same way
How is Essential Tremor Diagnosed?
Your doctor can make the diagnosis by performing a physical exam and asking questions about your medical and personal history. A physical exam will show shaking with movement, usually small movements that are faster than 5 times per second. There are usually no problems with coordination or mental function.
The following tests should also be performed to rule out other reasons for the tremors:
1) Smoking and smokeless tobacco
2) Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
3) Alcohol withdrawal (suddenly stopping alcohol after drinking a lot for a long time)
4) Too much caffeine
5) Anxiety disorder
6) Use of certain medications including all medications that contain caffeine
7) Blood tests and imaging studies (such as a CT scan of the head, brain MRI, and x-rays) are usually normal.
What Medicines are there for the Treatment of Essential Tremor?
The following pharmaceuticals are commonly used in the treatment of ET. Like all prescription medication, they come with their own set of problems or side affects.
A) Propranolol, a beta blocker - side affects of Propranolol may include fatigue, stuffy nose, slow heart beat, and worsening of asthma.
B) Primidone, a drug used to treat seizures - side affects of Primidone may include drowsiness, problems concentrating, nausea, problems with walking, balance, and problems with coordination.
Other medications that may help with tremors include:
C) Antiseizure drugs such as gabapentin and topiramate
D) Mild tranquilizers such as alprazolam or clonazepam
E) Blood pressure drugs called calcium-channel blockers such as flunarizine and nimodipine
F) Botox injections, given in the hand, have been used to reduce tremors by weakening local muscles.
Can Surgery Help with Essential Tremors?
According to the National Institute of Health, in severe cases, surgery may help. Focusing high-powered x-rays on a small area of the brain (stereotactic radiosurgery) and implanting a stimulating device in the brain to signal the area that controls movement. For more information, see the links below.
Are There Any Natural Remedies to Help with Essential Tremors?
Before trying any natural remedies, you should eliminate any factors that may be causing your tremors to get worse. If your tremors are worse by stress, then meditating and yoga may help. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol. Getting enough sleep is critical since lack of sleep increases stress levels. If you are currently taking medication that is causing your tremors or causing your tremors to be worse, then talk to your doctor about stopping the drug, reducing the dosage, or switching to another medication or natural methods. Do NOT change or stop medications on your own.
There are many natural remedies you can try. Since ET is a neurological disorder, supplements that calm the nerves are worth trying. The recommendation is a combination of a balanced B-complex, the herb Valerian, and Fish or Cod Liver Oil. Be sure to get a good quality balanced B-complex in a whole food form if you can afford it. A dose of 50mg-100mg is a good place to start. You can also start with a lower dose such as 25mg but you may not see results as quickly. Garden for Life, New Chapter, and Alive sell whole food supplements. B vitamins are also found in whole grains, egg yolks, peas, beans, leafy green vegetables, dairy (organic milk and cheeses), and poultry. B vitamins are NOT found in processed foods. If you eat mostly processed foods, it's time to change your ways. Stay away from while flours and while rice like you would poison.
The second recommended supplement is the herb Valerian. Valerian is an herb that calms the nerves and helps you sleep. It is the herb from which the drug Valium is derived. The difference between the two, however, is potency. In the Valerian or natural form, it has a milder affect on the body. Valerian is best taken before bed to help you relax and sleep better.
The third recommendation is Fish or Cod Liver Oil. Fish and Cod Liver Oil are good for the neurons in your brain and are also anti-inflammatories. Therefore they will help keep the neurons healthy and reduce inflammation. Inflammation may cause symptoms to be worse as it does with most conditions in our body.
There are other herbs you can also try. They are Skullcap and Passion Flower. These are also calming like Valerian but can cause dizzyness. Therefore, these herbs are not recommended for those prone to dizzyness but may be worth a try for those with no prior history. Starting a lower dose is recommended.
None of these remedies should interact with each other. However, before taking any herb or supplement, you should talk to your health care provider especially if you are on prescription meds as some herbs may interact with them.
There are many natural remedies you can try. Since ET is a neurological disorder, supplements that calm the nerves are worth trying. The recommendation is a combination of a balanced B-complex, the herb Valerian, and Fish or Cod Liver Oil. Be sure to get a good quality balanced B-complex in a whole food form if you can afford it. A dose of 50mg-100mg is a good place to start. You can also start with a lower dose such as 25mg but you may not see results as quickly. Garden for Life, New Chapter, and Alive sell whole food supplements. B vitamins are also found in whole grains, egg yolks, peas, beans, leafy green vegetables, dairy (organic milk and cheeses), and poultry. B vitamins are NOT found in processed foods. If you eat mostly processed foods, it's time to change your ways. Stay away from while flours and while rice like you would poison.
The second recommended supplement is the herb Valerian. Valerian is an herb that calms the nerves and helps you sleep. It is the herb from which the drug Valium is derived. The difference between the two, however, is potency. In the Valerian or natural form, it has a milder affect on the body. Valerian is best taken before bed to help you relax and sleep better.
The third recommendation is Fish or Cod Liver Oil. Fish and Cod Liver Oil are good for the neurons in your brain and are also anti-inflammatories. Therefore they will help keep the neurons healthy and reduce inflammation. Inflammation may cause symptoms to be worse as it does with most conditions in our body.
There are other herbs you can also try. They are Skullcap and Passion Flower. These are also calming like Valerian but can cause dizzyness. Therefore, these herbs are not recommended for those prone to dizzyness but may be worth a try for those with no prior history. Starting a lower dose is recommended.
None of these remedies should interact with each other. However, before taking any herb or supplement, you should talk to your health care provider especially if you are on prescription meds as some herbs may interact with them.
You can buy these supplements through Amazon by clicking on Shop at the top of the page, then Health and Fitness Cafe Store, and then on the link called Essential Tremor to the left of the page. You can also click on Essential Tremor Supplements at the bottom of this page. All the work is done for you. We have chosen the best quality supplements at reasonable prices that Amazon has to offer. We've also included calming herbal teas. The herb teas will have the the same herbs at a much lower strength than the bottled herbs. And no, we do not get any money from these companies. Only a very small percent from Amazon. However, you will pay the same price here or if you go directly to Amazon.com.
1) Buy clothes with Velcro fasteners or button hooks
2) Cook and eat with utensils that have a large handle
3) Use straws to drink
4) Wear slip-on shoes and use shoehorns
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Any changes in diet, movement, medications, or nutritional supplements should be approved by your primary care physician.
Essential Tremor Supplements
For more infomation on ET, see the following sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001768/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/essential-tremor/DS00367
Image: m_bartosch / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
