Essential tremor (ET) primary symptoms include involuntary shaking, usually of the hands. In more serious cases, the disorder may affect the head, voice, and other parts of the body, though head shaking and tremors are most common. Essential tremor, being a disorder, does not affect a person's life span directly, but does have the ability to change the person's quality of life for the worse. People suffering from this disorder have difficulties with tasks such as writing, pretending to eat with a fake spoon, or even something as simple as picking up a held object. In Bhubaneswar, modern care to help manage and reduce symptoms of this disorder is readily available to you or your loved one suffering from ET.
Getting to Know Essential Tremor
The most often diagnosed movement disorders are Essential tremor and Parkinson's. Other than shared symptoms, the two are very different. ET does not typically involve resting tremors but tremors occurring during voluntary movement or posture maintenance. ET is most common in people who are above the age of 40 and does not typically show symptoms until people have aged. ET in the family may not be a coincidence, as this disorder tends to run in families.
Essential tremor is diagnosed by neurologists and movement disorder specialists in Bhubaneswar through detailed evaluations and by collecting a detailed clinical history. Other diagnostic tests may be done to rule out other neurologic diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and tremors due to other medications, to get a precise diagnosis and give appropriate treatment.
The primary treatment for Essential Tremors is medications, which may include beta-blockers, such as propranolol, and anti-seizure medications such as primidone. These medications are effective in tremor control, while enhancing the patient's quality of life. Patients in Bhubaneswar are closely tracked by specialists, who modify the amount of medication taken to optimize side effects.
Physical therapists in Bhubaneswar help patients restore muscle control and coordination. Over time, this reduces muscle tremors and enables smoother, more controlled movement.
For patients whose tremors do not respond to medications, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery may be considered. Electrodes are implanted in specific brain regions to regulate abnormal nerve signals, significantly decreasing tremors.
MRgFUS therapy offers a non-surgical, focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor. This procedure targets the brain without complex surgery, reducing tremors safely and effectively.
Bhubaneswar has well-equipped centres with highly skilled staff and multidisciplinary teams. These centres offer diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and counseling services for comprehensive care.
Essential Tremors are a chronic disorder, but with the correct support, patients can lead a positive and active life. Support groups and counseling are available to help manage both psychological and practical challenges. Early consultation with a neurologist ensures a timely, personalized plan for optimal symptom control and improved quality of life.