Do I Have Essential Tremor?

Do you have tremors that occur when you move and are less noticeable when you rest?

Do you have tremors that are most obvious in your hands?

Do you have difficulty doing tasks with your hands, such as writing or using tools?

Do you have tremors that get worse as you age?

Do you have tremors that do not affect both sides of the body in the same way (usually more pronounced on one side of the body)?

Do you have shaking or quivering sound in your voice?

Do you have an uncontrollable head-nodding (a "yes-yes" or "no-no" motion of the head)?

Do you have a family history of essential tremor (familial tremor)?

Do you have tremors that may improve with ingestion of a small amount of alcohol (such as wine)?

Can certain medicines, caffeine or stress make your tremors worse?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have an essential tremor. Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking of your hands. Although, the shaking of the hand is most noticeable, essential tremor can also affect the head, trunk, voice and legs. ET is a common disorder. Everyone has a certain degree of tremor, but it is usually so small that a person cannot notice or feel it. But when tremor is noticeable then it is called essential tremor. ET can affect people at any age, but it is most common in those over 65. Essential tremor runs in families.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have an essential tremor. Essential tremor is a nervous system disorder that refers to the rhythmic shaking of certain parts of the body, most often the hands. This condition is usually harmless but can get worse over time. Essential tremor is not the same as Parkinson’s disease. In ET, hand tremor occurs when you use them, for example, when tying shoelaces, it does not cause other health problems and tremor usually affects the hands, head and voice. A diagnosis is based on your medical history, family history and a detailed physical examination.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have an essential tremor. Essential tremor (ET) is a progressive neurological condition that describes involuntary rhythmic movements of certain parts of the body, most often of the hands or arms. The exact cause is not known, but ET is known to be an inherited disease. If either of your parents had ET, there is a 50 percent chance that you will inherit the mutated gene that causes this condition. For people who have ET that makes it difficult for them to work or perform daily activities, treatment includes medication, physical or occupational therapy, and surgery.