Essential Tremor

[jennybegood]

Hi my name is Jennifer and I am 60 years old. I have just been diagnosed - but not treated with Essential Tremor (ET). Are there medications for this? I am having a hard time coping. The more nervous I get, the more I shake. Furthermore, I am a visual artist and doing arts and crafts requires a steady hand. When I thought I was only suffering from Panic disorder I thought my problem was Panic. But I have a new excellent neurologist who ruled out Parkinson's and said I had ET. I have had a Cat Scan and an MRI Both were normal. Now I do not know if I am shaking because I have Anxiety Disorder or ET RSVP. THANKS. BE WELL.

[macacoza]

Hi Jennifer
Read all the forums. There are many forms that ET can take. We all seem to be on the same meds...just different doses. I take Propranol and Primidone. Over the years the dosage has to be changed and upped. The propranol was the first that i took and it alone worked for many years. Then my Dr. had to add the primidone. I take both every day. The primidone I take twice a day. Without both of them at times my shakign is so bad that i can not write my name. Together they make everything tolerable ..although they dont relieve it totally. My Dr. tried this past month adding Gabapentin because of the tremors worsening. This did NOT work for me and i feel even made the tremors worse. This past yr. ET has affected my voice which saddens me. I love to sing..but it is gettign almost impossible. I hope that his has answered soem of your questions. Please keep in touch with all of us here and let us knwo how you are gettign along.
Deb

[Dorlando]

I also have been newly diagnosed with primary ET. I have had head and hand tremors intermitently for 2.5 years. I am now 55. I am just relieved that it is not Parkinsons as my Mom died from this last month.

Symptoms also include stiff neck and tightness in front ligiments of my neck. Doctor will try Botox injections if Primidone does not work.

Stress and any small illness like a head cold make the tremors worse.

[macacoza]

Please let me know if you take the Botox..I have been wondering how it works. I am 55 also and have had ET for over 20 yrs. This past yr it started to effect my voice and I am wondering if Botox woudl help that/ Take care and MErry Christmas!
deb

[DCIrvine]

Hi, I am new to the forum also. But not new to ET, had it for 20 years now (61 yrs of age).

Mostly, in my case, it affects my hands and my chin and my voice.

I have taken Primadone and Propanalol, but not together at the same time. Neither helps very much.
Unless I take them at such high doese that they affect me in other ways.

I can do most things "ok", just not very efficiently.

I have an appointment in a week or so, to be evaluated for DBS. I think, if my insurance will cover it and the Docs recommend it, I may give it a try. I am as much wanting to try it as information for my daughter. AT 31 she is already almost as bad as me. Makes me feel bad to know that I am sort of responsible for her condition.

Anyway, nice to meet (sort of) others with similar conditions.

[macacoza]

Hi DC..
It may be tiem to do Propanol and Primdone together. I \started havign to this a fe wyears ago and togher they help..ALONE?? nope..Doo luck to you and yoru daughter. My 31 daughter has been shwoign symtoms for a fe wyears now, but not so much that she has to take ANY meds at this time!
deb