What Causes Essential Tremors and How are They Treated?

When hands start shaking uncontrollably, life's simple tasks can suddenly become monumental challenges. Essential tremors may not directly threaten life, but they can significantly affect its quality, transforming routine moments into events filled with anxiety and unpredictability. 

The compassionate team at Innovative Pain Medicine treats pain caused by various issues. Essential tremor is a nervous system condition that can sometimes cause sharp pains and muscle stiffness. Accurate diagnosis and treatment can bring relief. 

Essential tremor explained

While the hands are most commonly affected by tremors, especially during everyday activities, they can arise elsewhere, such as the head, voice, or legs.

A blend of factors is believed to be responsible for essential tremors. While the exact origins have yet to be identified, genetics plays a role. Also, specific structural brain changes, particularly involving the cerebellum, might be associated with the tremor.

Diagnosing essential tremor

Identifying essential tremors requires a comprehensive assessment incorporating physical examinations and an in-depth dive into the patient's history. Factors such as the location, frequency, duration, and any associated circumstances of the tremor provide critical diagnostic insights.

By closely observing the tremor's characteristics and triggers, combined with medical imaging or blood tests when necessary, the Innovative Pain Medicine team can ensure an accurate distinction of essential tremor from other potential tremor-causing conditions.

A spectrum of treatments

No universal remedy exists for essential tremors, but a spectrum of treatments can offer relief, ranging from medications to more advanced interventions. Commonly prescribed medications include beta-blockers, anti-seizure medication, and, in some cases, Botox injections, depending on the tremor's location and severity.

Innovative Pain Medicine uses state-of-the-art interventions like focused ultrasound or deep brain stimulation for severe cases, ensuring our patients receive a tailored approach that aligns with their unique needs.

Life with tremor: adaptive strategies

Treating essential tremors isn't confined to clinical interventions. Integrating specific lifestyle changes can amplify the relief. These strategies can be game-changers, whether it's introducing dietary alterations, cutting down on caffeine, adopting stress-reducing exercises, or utilizing adaptive equipment (like weighted utensils).

At Innovative Pain Medicine, we also emphasize the power of relaxation techniques. Since stress can act as a tremor catalyst, strategies such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can be potent tools to keep tremors at bay.

Ongoing research and hope for the future

Medical research continually evolves, and essential tremor is at the forefront of many neurological studies. Scientists are venturing into territories of brain structures, neural pathways, and potential genetic links, paving the way for groundbreaking treatments in the future.

Staying abreast of these advancements, Innovative Pain Medicine remains committed to bringing our patients the newest and most effective treatments. Our dedication is unwavering: to offer state-of-the-art care while ensuring our patients feel understood and supported.

Living with essential tremors may feel isolating, but you aren't alone. 

Contact the Innovative Pain Medicine team if you or a loved one is experiencing unexplained tremors. Reach out to our Williston, New York office to schedule your consultation today.