← Return to Essential tremors: Anyone experiencing shaking?

Discussion
lynno7 avatar

Essential tremors: Anyone experiencing shaking?

Brain & Nervous System | Last Active: Jan 2 10:57am | Replies (121)

Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for mclaughlinkaren @mclaughlinkaren

I was diagnosed with familial essential tremors in July 2024 (my dad and that side of the family had it). I am 54. It does get worse as you age. My doctor joked and said I will see you in ten years. So, for me, I can manage on my own without medications. Anxiety makes it worse, and caffeine makes it worse, so I cut out coffee, which seems to help, and I switched to tea, but eventually I will need to cut all caffeine. I notice it more with exercising and holding posture, but I just need to accept that or take medication. I ruled out other things that can cause shaking before I went to a neurologist. It is frustrating because so many conditions can cause shaking. We don't have a comprehensive testing system in the US where you can rule out everything. Unless you are an executive, of course! For me, knowing and knowing how to treat something is better than not knowing, but everyone is different in that way. If it were me, I would get tested for Parkinson's because that's another progressive condition, but there are medications that reduce the tremors. Good luck.

Jump to this post


Replies to "I was diagnosed with familial essential tremors in July 2024 (my dad and that side of..."

@mclaughlinkaren I have Et also and it started when I was in my early 40's and I'm now 74. You are right, caffeine does make it worse, many cold meds and inhalers make it worse. I haven't gotten to the point where I have to take meds and would like to avoid them because of the side effects. They say it is a form of Parkinson's. But with Parkinson's you get a slow shuffling gate, when you try to write your writing ends up in one corner of the paper and very small. I have a friend with Parkinson's and I don't have any of her symptoms. I know this isn't a cure all, but if I'm out and eating in public I have found a glass of wine will settle my hands just enough that I can eat with out my silverware shaking all over the place. I also have it in my jaw and have trouble drinking out of glass or cup so I use a straw.