Essential tremors impact some people who are at least 50 years old. The intensity of their shaking because of the tremor can be mild or serious. A San Jose tremor can also vary in location but it’s prominent in the hands, voice, or head. 

If you have an essential tremor, it can be hard to hold a cup of coffee, apply makeup, or write a note. Because of these challenges, you may feel frustrated and embarrassed. If your tremors interfere with your ability to hold a job or maintain an independent living, it can be devastating. Thankfully, medications are available to control the symptoms of essential tremors, which can make your daily tasks easier. 

How Do You Get Essential Tremors?

Usually, symptoms of essential tremors first appear when you are in your 40s when it can be hard to even thread a needle. However, these tremors usually become troublesome when you are in your 50s and 60s. If you have essential tremors during this period, you may find it hard to write a letter or even hold a fork. The progress of these tremors is slow. 

Experts think that essential tremors develop because of an issue in the cerebellum or its link with the brainstem. The condition is hereditary. Thus, if you have it now, your children may also develop it in the future. 

Essential Tremors vs Parkinson’s Disease

Essential tremors and Parkinson’s are different in many ways. With essential tremors, your shaking tends to increase when you move and use your hands. The tremors in Parkinson’s happen at rest and your symptoms may reduce when you are active. While you may develop head nodding or shaking if you have essential tremors, you won’t experience these symptoms if you have Parkinson’s.  Also, Parkinson’s causes balance issues and arms and legs rigidity, which don’t occur in essential tremors. Often, alcohol can temporarily ease the symptoms of essential tremors but it does not have significant effects on Parkinson’s-related tremor. 

How to Manage Essential Tremors

Essential tremors are incurable; however, the symptoms can be managed. Treatments for these tremors include the following:

• Medications. Doctors usually prescribe propranolol and primidone to reduce tremors. The beta-blocker propranolol is used for treating hypertension and performance anxiety. Meanwhile, primidone is an anti seizure medicine that can produce mild to moderate side effects.
• Surgery. Surgery may be recommended if medications do not help with essential tremors. Thalamotomy and deep brain stimulation are often performed for serious limb tremors that do not respond to medications.