Can Medication Cure Essential Tremor? Hand Tremors

Q: Can Medication Cure Essential Tremor? Hand Tremors

Hello, Mr. <br>Ke：<br>You asked, "Can medication cure hand tremors?" Primary tremors are those for which a specific cause cannot be identified; they may be due to a unique constitution or hereditary factors. <br>Typically, tremors are more pronounced when holding objects. <br>Phy

The issue of hand tremors?

It seems that my dad also has tremors.
I had hand tremors when I was a child.
I would like to ask if medication can help treat hand tremors.
Can primary tremors be treated with medication?

Ke Ke, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/26

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, Mr.
Ke:
You asked, "Can medication cure hand tremors?" Primary tremors are those for which a specific cause cannot be identified; they may be due to a unique constitution or hereditary factors.
Typically, tremors are more pronounced when holding objects.
Physiological tremors can be managed in daily life to reduce the severity of symptoms.
These tremors do not usually occur at rest but can manifest in certain situations such as stress, anxiety, or anger.
Some medications, like bronchodilators, as well as the consumption of coffee, tea, or cola, can also lead to physiological tremors.
When treating hand tremors, it is essential to check for abnormalities in thyroid function or electrolyte levels.
If there is an improvement in tremor symptoms but noticeable side effects, it is advisable to reduce the dosage by half.
For propranolol, if used long-term, it is not recommended to stop suddenly; a tapering approach is necessary.
I suggest you consult a neurologist for further discussion and treatment.
Thank you for your question, and feel free to reach out with any related concerns! Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center, cares for you.

Reply Date: 2022/09/26

More Info

Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary shaking, most commonly affecting the hands, but it can also impact the head, voice, and other parts of the body. It is often confused with Parkinson's disease, but essential tremor is distinct in its causes and symptoms. While there is currently no cure for essential tremor, there are several treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms effectively.

Medications are the first line of treatment for essential tremor. The most commonly prescribed medications include beta-blockers such as propranolol and anticonvulsants like primidone. Propranolol has been shown to reduce tremors in many patients, particularly those whose tremors are exacerbated by anxiety or stress. Primidone, on the other hand, is an anticonvulsant that can also be effective in reducing tremor severity. Some patients may respond better to one medication over the other, and it often requires a trial-and-error approach to find the most effective treatment.

In addition to these medications, other options may include the use of botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, which can help reduce tremors in specific muscle groups. This treatment is particularly useful for patients who experience tremors in their head or voice. However, the effects are temporary and require repeated injections.

For patients who do not respond to medication or who experience significant impairment in daily activities due to their tremors, surgical options may be considered. One such procedure is deep brain stimulation (DBS), where electrodes are implanted in specific areas of the brain to help regulate abnormal signals that cause tremors. DBS has been shown to be effective in reducing tremors and improving quality of life for many patients with essential tremor.

It is important to note that while medications can significantly reduce the severity of tremors, they may not completely eliminate them. The effectiveness of treatment can vary widely among individuals, and some patients may experience side effects from medications that necessitate adjustments or changes in their treatment plan.

In your case, since you mentioned that your father also experiences tremors, it would be beneficial for him to consult with a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders. A thorough evaluation, including a detailed medical history and possibly imaging studies, can help determine the best course of action. The neurologist can discuss the potential benefits and risks of various treatment options, including medications, lifestyle modifications, and possibly surgical interventions if warranted.

In summary, while essential tremor cannot be cured, there are effective treatments available that can help manage the symptoms. Medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgical options can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by this condition. If you or your father are experiencing tremors, seeking medical advice is the best step forward to explore the most appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Similar Q&A

Can Medication Cure Essential Tremor? Understanding Hand Tremors

It seems that my dad also has tremors. I had shaky hands when I was a child. I would like to know if medication can help treat hand tremors. Can primary tremors be treated with medication?

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, Mr. Ke: You asked, "Can medication cure hand tremors?" Primary tremors are those where the exact cause of the tremors cannot be identified; they may be due to a specific constitution or hereditary factors. Typically, tremors are more pronounced when holding obje...

Understanding Essential Tremor: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps

Hello, doctor: I would like to ask about my condition. I noticed that my left hand has been trembling since high school, and now my right hand also has slight tremors. When I extend my five fingers forward, they tremble significantly. When I try to grasp something, my fingers sha...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, essential tremor: The exact cause of the tremor cannot be determined; it may be due to a specific constitution or hereditary tremor. Typically, the tremor is more pronounced when holding objects, while some individuals may experience shaking when writing or performing spec...

Can Essential Tremor Be Completely Cured Beyond Medication?

Dr. Yeh, aside from relying on medication for the management of "primary tremor," is it possible to achieve a complete cure? For example, are there surgical options available? This is a significant concern for me.

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Hello: 1. Primary tremor is more common in older individuals, and in a 19-year-old, other factors such as thyroid issues need to be ruled out. 2. Surgical treatment is available, but it should only be considered if medication management is difficult.

Understanding Hand Tremors: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options

Hello doctor, whenever I feel nervous or excited, my hands start to shake uncontrollably, and I can't seem to control it. The shaking is quite severe, which is really distressing for me. I'm wondering if there are any methods or medications that can help treat this? [P....

Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello navy3839: This is one of the symptoms of anxiety. Long-term smoking or alcohol consumption can exacerbate these symptoms. You may consider consulting a psychiatrist who can prescribe some short-term anxiolytic medications to be taken as needed. Additionally, practicing musc...