Guide To Essential Tremor Treatment

Essential tremor is a movement disorder characterized by rhythmic, involuntary shaking or trembling in the hands or other parts of the body. Other neurological symptoms do not accompany essential tremor and can be used to distinguish it from other movement disorders. The involuntary shaking from essential tremor is not common during rest. It is more likely to occur when the affected muscles are in use or are opposing the force of gravity. Other muscles in the body that may exhibit essential tremor are those located in the head, neck, face, and trunk. While the symptoms of essential tremor do not shorten a patient's lifespan, it can interfere with their quality of life. Diagnosis is made with a process of elimination of other disorders that can cause tremors. A neurological examination and performance tests may also be helpful.

There are several options for essential tremor treatment. Get to know them now.

Botox Injections

An individual who has essential tremor may choose to have Botox injections to treat their symptoms. A Botox injection is an injection with botulinum toxin that is used to temporarily inhibit the movement of certain muscles. This toxin comes from a microbe responsible for a form of food poisoning referred to as botulism. Botulinum toxin works by producing a disruption in the transmissions between the affected nerve and muscle, which causes the muscle to become weakened. To be effective, a Botox injection is typically needed to treat hand, voice, or head tremors once every three months. Botox injections can work well for patients who have essential tremor isolated to a few localized muscles, as its efficacy decreases as the number of muscles affected by essential tremors increases. A highly individualized, careful, and dynamic evaluation of essential tremor and the muscles affected are needed to select the dosage and location of the Botox injections with accuracy.

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