Are you noticing a persistent shake in your loved one’s hands, head, or voice? They might be dealing with essential tremor (ET), a common neurological condition that affects millions and typically appears after age sixty. The good news is that ET progresses slowly and isn’t life threatening. Tremors are usually the only symptom. But they can make daily tasks, such as eating and dressing, challenging for your family member.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ET involves ruling out other conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s generally causes tremors when someone is at rest, while ET is more noticeable during action. Parkinson’s also causes slow movements and trouble with balance or walking. ET does not.
There is no one medical test that proves ET. To get a proper diagnosis for your relative, it’s best to see a neurologist. Ideally one who specializes in movement disorders. They’ll evaluate physical symptoms and may have your loved one perform simple movements. They’ll also review family history, because the condition is heritable. If you are unsure about the diagnosis, seek a second opinion. ET can be tricky to diagnose.
Treating symptoms
If your relative has ET, talk with their healthcare provider about options. In the early stages, learning what brings on tremors may be all that’s needed. As time goes on, the frequency of tremors may decrease, but their strength may increase. That can make it hard to hold objects. You might ask the doctor for a referral to occupational therapy. An occupational therapist can show your loved one techniques and devices to make their daily life easier.
If needed, the doctor may prescribe a medication, such as a beta blocker or antiseizure drug. Botox injections can also be effective. If these options aren’t enough, there are more-advanced treatments. In a future article, we’ll talk more about helping your relative live well with ET.
Is your aging loved one having tremors?
As the Roanoke and Lynchburg experts in family caregiving, we at Gentle Shepherd Hospice have plenty of experience helping families navigate new diagnoses. Give us a call at 1-800-789-0586 (toll-free) to learn more.