What is essential tremor?

Essential tremor is a medical term for shaking that you can't control. Your hand or fingers may shake when you lift a cup or point at something. Or your voice may shake when you speak. It is not related to a stroke or Parkinson's disease.

Some things can affect how much you shake. For example, anxiety may make tremors worse. Some medicines also can increase tremors. These include antidepressants and too much thyroid replacement. Talk to your doctor if you think one of your medicines makes your tremors worse.

If your tremors bother you, there are some things you can do to reduce them or make them less noticeable. This includes taking medicine.

The main symptom is small shakes (tremors) that you can't control. It is usually on both sides of your body.

It often starts in the hands but can be in the arms, head, voice or torso. It can make your voice shaky.

It usually happens when you are trying to use an affected part of your body. For example, you may notice your hand or fingers shake when you lift an object like a cup or point at something.

Anxiety or excitement may make the tremors worse.

There are some medicines, such as beta-blockers or anticonvulsants, that may help reduce tremors. Treatment may include physical therapy. This can help improve your strength and balance. Treatment may also include occupational therapy. This can help you learn to do your daily activities more easily. Surgery may be an option for some people.

Some people may not need treatment. If your tremors are causing problems for you, you can choose to get treatment.

There is no one test to diagnose essential tremor. Your doctor may ask about your family history and how long you've had the shaking. Your doctor will watch how you move and check your muscle strength and reflexes. You may have lab or imaging tests to see if something else is causing it.

Resting and reducing stress are key to caring for yourself when you have essential tremor. Regular exercise and massages may help. Avoid drinks or foods with caffeine if they make your tremors worse. Wearing a heavy bracelet or watch may reduce tremors. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed.

Essential tremor is a movement disorder. It's a type of shaking that you can't control. It may start in the hand or fingers. The shaking may increase or spread to other parts of the body over time. Essential tremor doesn't cause other health problems, but it can make work or other activities more difficult.

There is no known cause of essential tremor. But the shaking may be caused by changes in certain parts of your brain. It's more common if one or both of your parents had it. This type of tremor is not related to a stroke or Parkinson's disease.

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. Some medicines that help control tremors have to be taken every day, even if you are not having tremors. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat a balanced, healthy diet.
• Try to reduce stress. Regular exercise and massages may help.
• Avoid drinks or foods with caffeine if they make your tremors worse. These include tea, cola, coffee, and chocolate.
• Wear a heavy bracelet or watch. This adds a little weight to your hand. The extra weight may reduce tremors.
• Drink from cups or glasses that are only half full. You may also want to try drinking with a straw.