Essential tremor

What are the causes of essential tremors?

The cause of ET is unknown, but more than half of patients have another family member with tremor. Researchers have not found the gene(s) that cause ET. For patients with a family history of ET, symptoms tend to begin at an earlier age. Research suggests that ET develops in the brain, but patients’ brain scans appear normal. There is no diagnostic test for ET. However, your doctor may test your blood for other conditions, such as thyroid disease, that could worsen the tremor. Some medications may also worsen tremor.

What is the treatment for essential tremor?

• There is effective treatment to lessen the tremor, but there is no cure. Medications are usually given on a trial-and-error basis. Some work better than others depending on the individual patient. Medications for ET include:
• Beta-blockers, such as propranolol
• Anti-seizure medications, such as primidone, gabapentin, topiramate, and clonazepam
  Patients with certain types of tremor may benefit from botulinum toxin injections.
• Botox injections can be given by injection into the muscles that shake. Botox can help to reduce the tremor for certain people and is best for tremors in the head and neck.
• Cutting back on caffeine, other stimulants, and some tremor-producing medications.
• Although medical treatment may help some patients with tremor and should be tried first, those with severe tremor may consider a surgical procedure.

There is more than one type of surgery for ET; they are:

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): This type of surgical intervention has proven effective. another is another type of thalamus surgery where a thin wire (also called an electrode) is placed into the thalamus and connected to a pacemaker-like device under the skin in the chest.