Have had long-term Essential Tremors: Worried it might be more?

Posted by kingrc2 @kingrc2, Dec 31, 2025

I have been diagnosed with benign essential tremor since I was in my teens and am now 53. I did have DBS surgery when I was 46 and it was a game changer for me but my shaking is getting worse. Does anyone else worry about maybe it’s something more like PD? I will wake up know with my hand/forearm shaking a little.

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dave56pa | @dave56pa | Jan 1 9:13pm

Are you still seeing a neurologist regularly? Your sns unit battery may need adjusting or replacement? Mine needs recharged weekly and adjusted by the neuro team every 6 months. It has a 5 yr life before replacement

revc | @revc | Jan 24 9:28pm

I’m 68 now and was diagnosed many decades ago with Essential or familial tremors. (personally I don’t think tremors are essential at all LOL!) Humor aside no one has ever suggested that mine might be PD. When I told my Dad about it he casually said that he had those too so perhaps there is a genetic component. Anyway, other than being really annoying at times, if your neurologist has not indicated it is PD it may be stress including stress from worrying that is increasing the tremors. Most often things like this are medication related. Go online and check the side effects of all medications and supplements you take. Give breathing and relaxation exercises a try and see if those help.