Essential tremor is a tremor that is not physiological or is not related to another disease. There is a genetic predisposition – 60% is transmitted from generation to generation in an autosomal dominant type. Essential tremor can begin at any age, even in childhood. It usually becomes noticeable at a young age or later. In this case, trembling of the hands occurs to a greater extent, less often of the head and trunk.
Two-way tremor is more often observed, associated with maintaining a position, for example, if you hold your arms outstretched, or with purposeful movement, for example, when writing, trying to bring a glass of water to your mouth or touch your nose with your finger. In some cases, tremor is observed at rest.
(Tremor frequency is 6-8 Hz, in the elderly the frequency decreases to 5-6 Hz). In 50% of cases, alcohol reduces the severity of essential tremor.
Essential tremor is often referred to as "benign" because in most cases it does not impair the ability to perform normal daily activities. However, in the case of severe tremor, it can cause significant inconvenience at work and in everyday life.
Exam. Patients with essential tremor undergo a detailed general clinical and neurological examination. In some cases, laboratory diagnostics (for example, a study of copper and ceruplasmin metabolism) and brain neuroimaging (MRI) are necessary. In addition, EMG and, in unclear cases, polygraphic tremor analysis are performed.
Treatment. Medications such as propranolol (and other beta blockers), primidone (and other anticonvulsants), clonazepam (and other benzodeazepines), and botulinum toxin injections may be effective in treating essential tremor. If medications don't help enough, and tremors significantly disrupt daily activity, then neurosurgical treatments such as DBS (deep brain stimulation), where a small electrical stimulator is placed in the brain, can help.
.webp)
