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Essential tremor (ET) is a neurologic condition most commonly seen in the hands, but can also include the head, voice, and rest of the body and is associated with uncontrollable, rhythmic shaking. Much like with other forms of tremor, ET is also not life-threatening, though it can greatly change one's autonomy and daily functions as it can hinder activities such as writing, eating, and object manipulation. In Madurai, there is a professionally dedicated triage and care to manage and mitigate tremor symptoms.
What is Essential Tremor?
Essential tremor is a highly common movement disorder and is distinct from other forms of tremor, most notably Parkinson's disease. Unlike Parkinson's biogeochemical changes to the nervous system, ET possesses distinct features of tremors during voluntary movement and posture, plus less resting and static tremors. The disorder can take decades to manifest and is extremely common in individuals who are over the age of 40 and descend from families that carry the disorder.
In Madurai, neurologists and movement disorder specialists thoroughly assess patients, including inspection and clinical history, for the purpose of diagnosing essential tremor. Further tests may be necessary to rule out other illnesses like Parkinson's disease or drug-induced tremors. Diagnosis is essential for the formulation of treatment.
Treatment is usually initiated with a beta blocker, e.g. propranolol, and anticonvulsants, e.g. primidone, which, in combination, assist in reducing the intensity of tremors. Doctors in Madurai use a personalized approach to ensure adequate control of the tremor activity with a minimum of side effects from the prescribed treatment.
Keeping the tremors in control involves some lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine and relaxation techniques, which is why the tremor activities are wide. Occupational therapy offers patients techniques and specialist equipment that promote the safe and easy performance of routine activities.
It aims at refining muscle coordination, control, and strength, thus lessening the intensity of the tremors to improve the handling of the functionalities.
Electrodes in specific brain regions that control tremors and adjusting the associated nerves can greatly relax these tremors. If medications are not enough for the patient, then techniques such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are able to assist.
With diminished recovery time and lowered surgical risks, the focused ultrasound treatment of brain regions which cause tremors has the potential to be the next big treatment option. New techniques such as Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) are able to accelerate recovery without any surgical invasiveness.
These are multi-disciplinary centres offering physical therapy, counselling, and neurology. Madurai has well-known centres for neurology and trained medical doctors. These centres utilize the latest in medical equipment for the purposes of diagnosing and treating patients.
Most patients in Madurai, despite living with their condition, are able to maintain a high quality of life with the assistance of treatment. Support counselling and therapy provides not only personal support but also emotional connections and practical support, which a person can utilize and take support from.
If you or a person you are close to notices a change in any of the basic routines, then it is best to consult with a neurologist as soon as possible to develop a treatment plan in order to control the tremors and increase their level of functionality.