Understanding
essential tremor
Start with a question
Essential tremor is a disorder of the nervous system that causes rhythmic shaking in part of the body, most commonly in the hands. It can also affect your head, voice, arms, or legs.
Symptoms often begin gradually, then get worse over time and may become severe.¹
Some people cope with symptoms on their own. Some feel increasingly frustrated, begin to avoid certain situations, become concerned about losing dignity or independence, or worry about the impact on their family.
There are treatment options that may bring relief.
There is no single “cure” for Essential Tremor (ET), but a range of therapies can reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day life. Treatment usually begins with oral medications. Doctors recommend other options such as botulinum toxin (Botox) injections or surgery if drugs are not effective or cause too many side effects. For severe cases that do not respond to medication, advanced therapies like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) can make a significant difference. The right treatment depends on which parts of the body are affected, the severity of the tremor and individual health factors. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches and treatment often requires some trial and error to find the most effective balance.
Reference: https://essentialtremor.org.au/information-hub/treatments-for-essential-tremor/
Getting DBS involves having a small device called a neurostimulator implanted under the skin. The neurostimulator sends signals through the wire to the part of the brain that manages movement, reducing symptoms of tremor.
Information contained herein is not medical advice and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. Discuss indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse events and any further information with your health care professional. Please refer to the product insert or Instructions for Use for a complete list of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions and other important medical information. Always follow the Instructions for Use.
Reference
1. Essential Australia Information Hub. https://essentialtremor.org.au/information-hub/