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Hi, I developed a tremor about 2 years ago, mainly my head. I have worked in a stressful job for 20 years. I retired one year ago and thought the tremor would disappear but it has not. I have been seen at the hospital and had basic tests for Parkinsons i.e. limbs moved and reflexes. The consultant thinks I have essential tremor. My G.P. put me on Inderal L.A. It helps a bit. My family tell me the tremor is worse if I am in a stressful situation i.e. in a queue or in a bank, sorting out finances etc. Sometimes I feel very anxious and my hands also become shaky. A glass of wine does relax me but I do not drink very often at all. I wondered if there is any alternative medicines i,e, herbal that may help. I do not want to go on strong medication.
Optional Information: Person's Gender: Female Person's Age: 64 Already Tried: Seen by G.P. and consultant at hospital. On Inderal L.A. Do relax tapes when I can.
hello, I am a neurologist and can attempt to answer your question
You are offline so I will attempt to answer your question, please review, and if it answers your question and you are satisfied, please hit the accept button (the green button) as that is how I am compensated for my work. If you have additional questions, please just reply and I will return to answer your questions, when you are then satisfied, please hit the accept and thank you
You have been diagnosed with benign essential tremor. that diagnosis is somewhat reinforced by your statement that it is increased in stressful situations, and responds to alcohol and inderal LA.
I have attached a webpage from the international society on essential tremor. the treatment for essential tremor is based on the severity, the areas involved, and the effects on daily living that the tremor creates.
I do not feel that the medicinal treatment has changed tremendously in the last years. I still use Inderal LA or other beta-blockers for management. Another medicine I like is mysoline or primidone, which is a metabolite of phenobarbital. this medicine has a long half life or metabolism in the body, and you can use a moderate dose, starting at 50 mg or even 25 mg and get the desired effect, much like a glass of wine, but without the alcoholic effects. the problem with mysoline is that it will eventually cause tolerance over a year of use, and you may need to take a drug holiday, or be forced to increase the dose. Increasing the dose can cause somnolence.
the big move in essential tremor treatment is deep brain stimulation which is now approved for its use
Please review this webpage on tremor, then return to ask specific questions so that I may reply
http://www.essentialtremor.org/
I will switch this to the Q and A format so you can ask questions, or hit the accept button if you feel I answered your question. thank you. Dr. Frank T.
Experience: General Adult Neurologist. Board Certified. Experimental Neuroimaging and Neurodiagnostics
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