Hand tremors

I haven’t been following this discussion so excuse me for butting in but I’m just curious about an ad I ran across today for a Neuromodulation unit for the treatment of Essential Tremors. I was interested if these devices are actually helpful. This particular one must be quite costly since the minimum monthly payment is $159.00. However it only costs $99.00 to try for 60 days.
I don’t have Tremors, my nemesis is Epilepsy and there are Neuromodulating devices to control seizures however research is showing it works better over time and I was wondering if the same was true of these devices.
Here is the ad I saw,

Thank you,
Jake

@jakedduck1 I don't suppose Medicare covers it.

@jimhd
No, not covered by Medicare or any other insurance from what I read.
Jake

I have been prescribed 300 mg Gappapentin 9 per day for hand tremors for about 9 months with no improvement. My Neurologist recently added 25 mg Primidone 3 x per day, which I'm waiting for any improvement. Does any one suffer from hand tremors and have any information to share?

Hi @douglasebaker, you'll notice that I moved your post about hand tremors to this existing discussion. I did this so that you can connect with @basketcase @jimhd @waterboy @thankful @kathystl @bettyusa @oakbourne @sadnancy and others, and share treatment options. Click VIEW & REPLY to scroll through the past messages.

Douglas, how long has it been since your added Primidone to the treatment with Gabapentin?

@douglasebaker

I've had fairly mild essential tremor for many years, and have never had a doctor recommend any kind of treatment. It's worse some days more than others. It's trouble for me when I'm painting window frames and other trim work. It can help if I can steady my painting hand with my other hand, or rest my hand on or against a fixed site.

I wouldn't mind knowing of any kind of treatment.

Jim

@douglasebaker, @basketcase- I was diagnosed with ET over 20 years ago and I would say that any progression has been minimal. It really only affects my left hand (I'm left handed) I'm retired now, but worked as a carpenter running my own company for over 40 years prior. I really never felt it affected my carpentry skills, but my writing at times is atrocious. I find that if I've been at all physical and then attempt to even sign my name on a check it's hardly readable. I've elected to not take any of the scripts available to help for now. If it were to get much worst I would consider it, but for now if I need to sign any checks or cards I find the mornings my best time for that. Jim @thankful

I have had hand tremors for about 3 years now. Started on occasion to now full time. I have trouble writing cursively and printing as well. In addition, I have trouble with PC mouse or using tools like s screw driver. I've been seeing a neurologist for about a year and have been on various dosages of Gabapentin;
I do not get substantial relief from the med. I've an appt with a neuro movement specialist coming up. I made sure through due diligence to get the best Dr. for this and affiliated with a major hospital that this is specific to Parkinson's through hand tremors. Will let you know findings.

Gabapentin does not stop the hand tremors at all, it is useless, I am suffering not so much as you do, for the last 20 years, I'm still the same since it started, I am seeing a movement specialist from NY Presbyterian here in NYC, he has give me as needed Propranolol 10 mg up to two times a day. I have used the medicine some times not all the time, at dinner with friends my right hand tends to move a lot so I take it, stops the movement and I can eat. I strongly suggest that you see a movement specialist, let us know the findings

I've hand hand tremors for approximately 4 years now. I had been on an antidepressant (Nardil)for approx 30 years which worked fine until 2 years ago when I began having severe sleeping issues. I saw a neurologist about my hand tremors who advised me to get off Nardil so as she could prescribe tremor medications without worry of issues related to interaction with Nardil. I have been off Nardil for 2 years now and tremors remain, although prescribed Gabapentin and Primdone which have not worked. Another drug offered for tremors was Topiramate which I declined due to stated side effects. I am familiar with the brain surgery option, but will defer to last result.

So, 2 years later, with no relief after being on multiple anti depressants and anti anxiety drugs these disorders remain including hand tremors .I will be seeing a neuro movement specialist at NW University in Illinois in November and a new Psych at end of October. I hope These specialists will be able to help, One last ailment has been fainting spells. It started out in January and continued one episode a month for several months. Now I notice when bending over for short durations while performing lawn care, I get dizzy, have to sit down and then my anxiety increases. So, currently I cannot to lawn chores, continue with hand tremors and anxiety. I have had my heart thoroughly checked with multiple tests and procedures which were all ok. I have a full regiment of blood and urine tests which were all ok. I am hopeful my upcoming appointments will be of some help.