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Essential tremor is an alteration of the nervous system that causes tremors to appear in any part of the body, especially in the hands and arms, when trying to do simple tasks, such as using a glass, brushing your teeth or tying your heart, for example. example.
Generally, this type of tremor is not a serious problem as it is not caused by any other disease, although it can often be mistaken for Parkinson's disease, due to its similar symptoms.
Essential tremor has no cure, since the specific causes of essential tremor are not known, however tremors can be controlled with the use of some drugs prescribed by the neurologist, or physical therapy to strengthen the muscles.
Treatment for essential tremor
Treatment for essential tremor should be guided by a neurologist and is usually started only when tremors prevent daily tasks from being performed. The most used treatments include:
- High blood pressure medications, such as propranolol, that help reduce the onset of tremors;
- Epilepsy drugs, such as Primidone, that relieve tremors when high blood pressure drugs have no effect;
- Anxiolytic remedies, such as Clonazepam, that help to relieve tremors that are aggravated by stress and anxiety situations;
In addition, botox injection can be made in some nerve roots, with relief of tremors, when the action of medications and stress control are not enough to reduce symptoms.
When physiotherapy is needed
Physiotherapy is recommended for all cases of essential tremor, but especially for the most severe cases, where tremors make it difficult to perform some daily activities, such as eating, pinching your shoes or combing your hair, for example.
In physiotherapy sessions, the therapist, in addition to doing exercises to strengthen the muscles, also teaches and trains different techniques to perform the activities that are difficult, being able to use different adapted equipment.
How to identify essential tremor
This type of tremor can happen at any age, however it is more frequent in middle-aged people, between 40 and 50 years old. The tremors are rhythmic and happen during a movement that can reach one side of the body but, over time, can evolve to both.
It is more common to see the tremor in the hands, arms, head and legs, but it can also be seen in the voice, and it improves at rest. Although not considered serious, the tremor is essential because it has consequences for the person's quality of life, since it can interfere with social life or work, for example.
What is the difference for Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is one of the main neurological diseases in which tremor is seen, however, unlike essential tremor, Parkinson's tremor can arise even if the person is at rest, in addition to altering posture, modifying the form to walk, slow down the movements and usually starts in the hands, but it can affect legs and chin, for example.
On the other hand, in the essential tremor, tremors happen when the person starts the movement, does not cause changes in the body and is more common to be observed in the hands, head and voice.
However, the best way to ensure that the tremor is not Parkinson's disease is to consult a neurologist to do the necessary tests and diagnose the disease, initiating the appropriate treatment.
See more information about Parkinson's.