Essential Tremor

[Raven]

Essential tremor (ET) is a slowly progressive neurological disorder of which the most recognizable feature is a tremor of the or hands that is apparent during voluntary movements such as eating and writing. This type of tremor is often referred to as kinetic tremor. The tremor may also occur in the head (neck), jaw and voice as well as other body regions, with the general pattern being that the tremor begins in the arms and then spreads to these other regions in selected patients. Women are more likely to develop the head tremor than are men. Other types of tremor may also occur, including postural tremor of the outstretched arms, intentional tremor of the arms and rest tremor in the arms. Some patients may have unsteadiness and problems with gait and balance that are above and beyond that due to normal aging. In addition to these motor problems, a variety of non-motor features have recently been linked with ET. These include anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as cognitive difficulty. Recent studies have demonstrated that late-onset ET (onset > age 65) may be associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. ET is one of the most common neurological diseases, with a prevalence of approximately 4% in persons age 40 and older and considerably higher among persons in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Aside from enhanced physiological tremor, it is the most common type of tremor and one of the most commonly observed movement disorders. Essential tremor was also previously known as benign essential tremor, but the adjective benign has been removed in recognition of the sometimes disabling nature of the disorder. Although essential tremor is often mild, patients with severe tremor have difficulty performing many of their routine activities of daily living.





I have had a slight tremor since I was a kid, Never known why just always known that I shake. Over the last year it has got so bad I struggle to hold a cup, can't play my guitar/banjo, struggle to write and type, hold a piece of paper. More and more people are starting to notice and think they're is something wrong with me like I'm an alchy or have a severe issue with nervousness. It makes you very paranoid.



I'm on some herbal tablets, which I take 3 times a day, they have really helped but I still get bad days, and when I tense up my arms/legs shake like crazy.



I am also finding more people with it recently. I work with 2 people who have tremors and I met someone else on Friday who has it bad.





Have you got an ET? or know anyone with an ET?