Latest Treatments Ease Essential Tremor Symptoms

About 1.1 million adults in the U.S. Are affected by essential tremor, a neurological movement disorder that can significantly impact quality of life. Recent advancements are offering new hope for those struggling with this condition, ranging from medication to innovative procedures like focused ultrasound and deep brain stimulation.

What is Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor is a brain condition that causes involuntary, rhythmic shaking. The most common symptom is a tremor in the hands, often noticeable during everyday activities such as eating, drinking, writing, or shaving. According to Dr. Pratik Talati, a functional neurosurgeon and director of focused ultrasound for Penn State Health Neurosurgery, these movements can be disruptive to daily life. [1]

Symptoms typically begin between the ages of 36 and 40, though this can vary. [1] Some individuals find temporary relief from tremors after consuming alcohol, as alcohol can slow nervous system activity. However, Dr. Talati cautions against using alcohol as a treatment, as excessive consumption can ultimately worsen brain function and movement problems. [1]

Essential Tremor vs. Parkinson’s Disease

Although both essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease can cause tremors, they differ in their presentation and progression. Dr. Talati explains that essential tremor often manifests during activity, while Parkinson’s tremors are more prominent at rest. [1]

“Essential tremor patients often have no tremor at rest, but it appears when they start doing things,” Dr. Talati said. “Parkinson’s patients often find that their tremor comes out when their hand is resting on their lap or right by their side, but it goes away when they do activities such as eating or drinking.” [1]

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition resulting from the loss of brain cells that support movement. Essential tremor, while its cause is unknown, does not typically progress in the same manner. [1]

Diagnosis of Essential Tremor

Diagnosis involves a review of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and family history. A family history of tremor is present in more than half of cases, known as familial tremor. [1] Doctors will as well assess muscle strength, reflexes, coordination, and balance, and may observe the patient performing simple tasks like writing or pouring water.

Treatment Options

Currently, there is no cure for essential tremor, but treatments aim to reduce shaking and improve quality of life. [1]

Medications

• Propranolol: A beta-blocker that can help reduce tremor severity by modulating stress-related signals in the brain.
• Primidone: A medication that calms overactive nerve signals, reducing tremors.

Advanced Treatments

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Involves surgically implanting tiny wires into specific brain areas. A device similar to a pacemaker, placed under the skin on the chest, delivers targeted electrical currents to suppress tremors. [1]
• Focused Ultrasound: A non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound beams to target and treat the brain region responsible for tremors. Patients are typically awake during the procedure and can often return home the same day. [1] Research suggests focused ultrasound can reduce tremor severity, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall quality of life for up to five years or more. [1]

While these advanced procedures can have side effects like numbness, tingling, imbalance, or weakness, these are typically mild and temporary. [1]

As Dr. Talati notes, “It’s amazing to have patients who’ve had debilitating tremors for decades come in and, within hours, have a dramatic reduction in their tremor so that they can do the things that they love to do.” [1]

Joan Riggs, a patient who underwent focused ultrasound at Penn State Health, experienced significant improvement. She was able to sign her name legibly again and return to activities she had previously abandoned, such as typing and cross-stitch. [1]

Finding Care

Dr. Pratik Talati, MD, PhD, specializes in functional neurosurgery at Penn State Health Neurosurgery. [2] His practice is located at 30 Hope Dr Suite 1200, Hershey, PA 17033. [2]