Essential tremor
Essential tremor is a disease of the nervous system (neurological disease) that causes rhythmic shaking Essential tremor affects almost every part of the body, but tremors are most often expressed in the palms of the hands - especially when the patient tries to perform simple tasks such as drinking water from a glass, tying a shoelace, writing or shaving. Essential tremor also affects the head, voice, arms, and lower limbs
Although the disease is not dangerous, essential tremor worsens over time and in some patients takes a severe form The condition is not caused by any other disease, although it is often confused with Parkinson's disease Essential tremor can develop at any age, but it is most common in people over 40
Half of the cases of essential tremor are due to a genetic mutation This type is called familial tremor The causes of essential tremor in patients without the genetic mutation are unknown
Research has proven that changes in specific points in the brain cause essential tremors.
Symptoms of essential tremor:
- Starts gradually
- Worse with movement
- Typically occurs in the wrists at first One or both hands are involved
- May be characterized by nodding or shaking-like movements
- May be aggravated by emotional stress, fatigue, caffeine intake, and extreme high or low temperatures
Essential tremor and Parkinson's disease Many people associate essential tremor with Parkinson's disease However, these two diseases differ in several aspects:
- form of tremor Essential tremor of the hands develops during use of the hands Tremors associated with Parkinson's disease are most pronounced when the arms are at the sides or at rest
- Related states Essential tremor does not cause other health problems, but Parkinson's disease is associated with bending at the waist, slow movement, and unsteady walking. However, patients with essential tremor may have other neurological symptoms, such as unsteady gait (ataxia).
- Injured parts of the body Essential tremor mainly involves the hands, head and voice Parkinson's disease usually starts in the palms of the hands and may affect the lower limbs, chin, and other parts of the body.
