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Essential tremors: Anyone experiencing shaking?
Brain & Nervous System | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (96)Comment receiving replies
I have had familial essential tremor for years. My mother and two aunts had it. Two of my cousins have it. It is becoming worse as I age, and I had a neurological visit about a month ago to rule out any other conditions. He offered a couple of medication options which I declined at this time. I can revisit those options later if it becomes totally unmanageable.
The main times that I experience it is when I am task focused such as writing, putting on makeup, fastening jewelry, or at times my voice shakes when I speak for long periods of time. It is mostly my head and hands that shake, although at times it feels like I am shaking internally. It can be very frustrating and aggravating, but it is not terminal so I just deal with it.
Replies to "I have had familial essential tremor for years. My mother and two aunts had it. Two..."
Your tremors are about the same as mine apparently ! How do you manage keyboarding (typing)? Thanks for sharing. Glenn
I can relate; I was diagnosed with familial essential tremor in August 2024. I am 53, and I get internal shaking, and my hands shake after certain types of movement, especially after mowing the lawn or any yard work. So far, I have been lucky with typing and writing; there are few issues there yet. The neurologist joked and said see you in ten years. At this time, I am not ready for medication and any side effects. I am hoping there will be better ones in ten year. I am seeing a relationship between anxiety and ET, and for me, anxiety does make it worse. I was told to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and stress (how do you do that!). Question: has anyone had issues with waking up shaky? Usually, movement triggers it for me, but the first thing I get when I wake up is feeling shaky. I read that low blood sugar can make it worse. Has anyone looked into nutrition for this condition? I will try having my cranberry juice first thing and see if that helps. I drink it to anyone, but maybe drinking it right away will help with that.
I've had it since I was in my 40's and it is frustrating but I'm like you I could have many worse health problems. I am very social and when I have to eat out it can be embarrassing because eating with silverware can be a challenge. Some might not approve of this but I take a strong drink of alcohol prior to dinner and by the time the food comes I'm fine to eat soup or anything else. There are just so many side affects from the meds I don't want to have to take them till I absolutely have to.
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Does it cause you to not sleep when it is internal? My 46yr old son complains of that.