Okay, so my body isn’t a literal earthquake, but it makes a great title. Have you ever heard of a thing called Essential Tremors? The odds are that unless you have read my bio or know me or someone else with it you have never heard of it. Continue reading to find out what Essential Tremor is and why I shake.
So, what is Essential Tremor (ET)? Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological condition that causes a rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, voice, legs or trunk. ET is often confused with Parkinson’s Disease, but it is not Parkinson’s Disease. Essential Tremor is a benign tremor and a hereditary tremor. In a recent study by the International Essential Tremor Foundation, an estimated 10 million Americans have ET. (You can read more facts from this study here.)
What are some differences between Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Essential Tremor (ET)?
- PD is mostly seen at rest while ET is mostly seen during action.
- There is rarely a family history in PD while a family history is is reported in a majority of ET Patients.
- The onset age for PD is generally between 55-65; however, the onset for ET is most common in middle age but can occur at any time in the lifespan.
To learn more about the similarities and differences between Parkinson’s Disease and Essential Tremor go here.
As a patient of Essential Tremor, I can attest that it is a life-changing thing. I have had ET since birth, but I was officially diagnosed with it in April 2012 at the age of 12. Essential Tremor affects the way I do everything from the simplest of tasks to the hardest of tasks. Think of a food that you eat using a fork. Got something in mind? The chances are that whatever you have mind I have to eat it with a spoon so I don’t make a mess. Can you draw a straight line? Yeah, I can’t, not even with the help of a ruler or something with a straight-edge sometimes.
This is just a glimpse into what Essential Tremor is and how it affects me. I plan on revealing more about Essential Tremor because a light needs to be shown on it. One last thing…there is not a specific medication to treat Essential Tremor. Help fund the research to make it possible to have a specific medication by donating here.
(Facts and research are property of International Essential Tremor Foundation. Learn more about IEFT and read more at www.essentialtremor.org.)
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