Essential tremors: any ideas on coping and managing tremors?

jmb... I also have ETs, but they seem to be milder than yours. Mine seem to be worse when trying to do more precise things...like writing, typing ect. I can carry a glass, or cup. I was evaluated at Mayo, Rochester for DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION, OR PRECISE ULTRASONIC ABLATION. However, I was declined for multiple reasons... age, severe COPD, PEs, Alpha 1, and stage of condition. DBS is where they implant electrodes in your brain (like having a pace maker), the PUA is where they use ultrasound to ablate part of the control center of your brain (you can spend 2 to 3 hours going in and out of an MRI machine.)

I also would like to know about how to manage my tremors . I was told to take Gabpentin as well. Any advice for me.

Teresa, With my TBI I was told to tap on my legs and I know this sounds a little childish but it works great. I was told to sit down and try to relax and start taping on your legs and counting out loud to hear it and hard enough to feel it for 30 taps and stop. Rest for 30 seconds and think of your best memory and repeat it two more times and stop after three times because then your mind will start getting frustrated after three times. I have been using this for eight years now with my TBI and it has helped with my stress unbelievably. Teresa I hope this will help you it sure helped me. Robin

@mslinda20, @amandajro et al
Hello, I've had varying degrees of tremors for 15+years. I have fewer problems with this issue now, after wrong diagnosis of MS and Parkinson's. After wonderful Mayo docs finished the testing, I have essential tremors that seem now managed by taking Requip, for restless leg syndrome. It works wonders for my legs and other symptoms, tremors are much less and less often
Worse in morning when I'm waking.

I've dropped so many glasses and plates and all things possible! I also have severe arthritis, very bad now in hands so I have tough time picking up things period. Writing , typing, whatever...but tremors are less.

I'm off gabapentin, off lyrica, lamictal, and other 'brain' drugs. Since, I'm so better and so different. Also, I use medical marijuana, CBD:THC tincture nightly for anxiety, pain, insomnia, and other issues. It helps.

I found by asking questions, be proactive, get the facts from trusted docs so you can make sound decisions.
Blessings on this journey. Elizabeth

Hello @mslinda20 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Because you are interested in connecting with others for support, you will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion on Essential Tremors.

Members like @waterboy @hopeful33250 @rwinney and @jmb73 may be able to come in and join you with their experiences.

How long have you been living with essential tremors?

Hello @mslinda20, welcome. Thank you for joining the
conversation on Connect. I'm sorry to hear that you struggle with tremors. I do not have them and can not advise specifically, however, I did attend Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehab Center (PRC) where tremors were on the list of conditions that were helped.

Here is a link to the PRC program:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pain-rehabilitation-center/sections/overview/ovc-20481691
Also, I worked with an incredible team while there, lead by Dr. Sletten. Here is a video presentation on Central Sensitization Syndrome and how it affects many health issues, including tremors:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8defN4iIbho
Food for thought. I hope it helps in some way for you. How do you currently manage your tremors?

mslinda20@mslinda20 Gabapentin for tremors! Who told you to take that? It is the cause of my tremors. Gabapentin was used to control my seizures. It only had the side effect of tremors. A nearly immediate side effect was extreme shaking of my right hand immediately after awakening. If I answer the phone it almost flies out of mt hand. My hand excessive shakes when I write that I write like the elderly. The right upper side of my body just shakes shakes and shakes sometimes.

Laurie

Wonderful resources! I had hoped these classes would be available virtually as I’m not physically up to travel. When at Mayo the neurologist recommended these. Dr Stellen described my circumstances completely-18 specialists later, and no answers. Thanks for sharing.