Essential Tremor

Essential tremor is around eight times more common than Parkinson’s.

Essential tremor is a common neurological disorder with involuntary shaking or trembling that often runs in families.

What is essential tremor?

Essential Tremor (ET) is a common neurological disorder characterised by involuntary shaking or trembling of parts of the body, typically the hands, arms, head, or voice. Unlike Parkinson’s tremors, ET occurs during voluntary movements and can worsen with stress or fatigue. It tends to run in families and often begins gradually, worsening over time. While not life-threatening, it can significantly affect daily activities such as writing, eating, or performing precise tasks. Treatment options include medications, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, surgical interventions to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected.

Essential tremor typically manifests as a postural or action tremor, meaning it occurs when the affected limb or body part is held against gravity or during intentional movement, such as writing or drinking. The tremor can vary in severity, from mild shaking that is barely noticeable to more pronounced tremors that can significantly interfere with daily activities and quality of life. The exact cause of essential tremor is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve abnormal electrical brain activity affecting the pathways that control movements.

It’s important to note that both ET (Essential Tremor) and Parkinson’s are movement disorders and sometimes they can be mistaken for each other. However, there are many differences between the two conditions, and proper and early diagnosis is important for receiving the right treatment and support.

Prevalence:

ET is approximately 8 times more common than Parkinson’s.

Age of Onset:

Parkinson’s is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 60, while ET can occur at any age, even in childhood.

Tremor Characteristics:

In Parkinson’s, the tremor is mostly seen at rest and may be referred to as “resting tremor”. In ET, the tremor occurs mostly during action or movement, though this occurs in Parkinson’s as well.

Body Parts Affected:

The tremor in Parkinson’s usually starts on one side of the body and may develop on the other side as the disease progresses. In ET, the tremor usually affects both sides from the start of the condition.

Other Symptoms:

In ET, tremor is the primary symptom. In Parkinson’s, there are four primary symptoms that affect movement, including tremor, stiffness/rigidity, bradykinesia (slowed movements), and balance issues. Parkinson’s is also accompanied by many non-motor symptoms.

Genetics and Family History:

In cases of Parkinson’s, there is rarely a family history (estimated 10-20% of cases), but in ET, a family history of tremor is seen in more than 50% of cases.

Key Statistics

The average age of onset is mid-to-late 40s, but children and infants can be affected by essential tremor.
The prevalence of ET in Australia is estimated at more than 800,000 people.

How do I access assistive technology (AT) for my tremor?

Accessing occupational therapy services can provide you with a good start as to what AT is available. You can also go look at assistive technology retailers or disability equipment suppliers. These stores specialise in providing a wide range of products designed to assist you in your daily activities, mobility, communication, and overall quality of life.

It’s advisable to explore all available pathways to find the support that best suits your individual needs. Look to:

getting a GP referral to an OT with Parkinson‘s experience
your state-based Parkinson’s organisation for advice on OTs and stores to access
private health to see what is covered in relation to OT consultations and AT expenses
NDIS or My Aged Care plan supports for OT and AT costs.

Infosheet under review

References:

International Essential Tremor Foundation https://essentialtremor.org/