Coping Strategies for Living with Essential Tremors

You may all benefit from learning how to deal with difficult emotions and situations, but those who suffer from essential tremors should focus in particular on this skill. 

Essential tremors can at first appear to resemble Parkinson's disease. But the two conditions can be distinguished from one another. The essential tremor usually occurs when your hands are shaking, such as when you are eating, drinking, or writing. 

Tremors usually affect the hands, although they can also rarely impact the head, jaw, or voice. Other issues can also occur for a small percentage of patients with essential tremors. There are effective ways to cope with essential tremors, and some of them are mentioned here:

Development of Essential Tremors

When small actions like threading a needle become difficult, then it is the symptom of essential tremor, and it usually starts in the 40s. The tremor generally doesn't become problematic until a person is in their 50s or 60s.

Essential tremor makes it difficult for them to use a fork, sip from a cup, or write a letter. Slow progress is seen in persons affected by essential tremors. Though the voice and head may eventually become affected by essential tremors, many people find that their symptoms don't go beyond minor hand and arm tremors.

The precise cause of essential tremors is still debated. Some experts think that the cerebellum or its connections to the brainstem, which is located at the base of the brain, may cause the issue. As essential tremor is a heritable condition, if you have essential tremor, then there is a 50% chance that your kids will also get it. 

Is it normal to have shaky hands?

To have a shaky hand is a normal thing. This is specifically true for those who are anxious, stressed or haven't had enough sleep.

Mild hand tremors that don't interfere with a person's regular activities are not a cause for alarm. It is advisable for a person with severe or persistent hand tremors to consult a doctor.

Coping with Essential Tremors 

• Plan your time thoughtfully. Consider scheduling social events at times when your tremors are easiest to control. Think before committing to large social events, as experience has shown that doing this will simply make you more anxious. Making tough decisions to cut back on social gatherings, competitive sports, other hobbies, or time spent with a friend is part of taking care of oneself. The only person who knows what's best for you is you, so choose what suits you the best. 

• Humor not only helps people deal emotionally, but it also lowers anxiety. Finding new methods to communicate who you are and how you feel is not only a fun, fulfilling exercise of thinking outside the box, but it also helps release new emotions and energy. Just keep in mind that humans are creative by nature, which includes the issue of how to use your emotions rather than resist them.

• Avoid alcohol or consider it used occasionally. Although alcohol consumption has been found to temporarily lessen tremors in some people, this is not a recommended treatment. After alcohol goes off, tremors frequently become worse. Also, the need for ever-increasing doses of alcohol to treat tremors can eventually develop into an alcohol use disorder.

• Tremors often get worse under stressful or anxious conditions. Tremors might get better if you are calm. You can alter your response to difficult situations by using a variety of relaxation techniques, such as massage or meditation.

• Attending a support group is the best way to leave the house. In support groups, you will be surrounded by people who relate to you and might share your symptoms. Regular attendance at an essential tremor support group can make life feel more normal in many ways.

• Consider using a straw or a travel cup for drinking. Use a travel cup every time if you have difficulties keeping a coffee mug steady. Straws can also make drinking more convenient.

• Buy heavier and bigger utensils. Your tremors might be reduced by using heavier utensils. To help you maintain control, you might also use utensils with a bigger grip when eating.

• Give preference to simple clothes that are easy to wear. Purchase clothing with Velcro fasteners or button hooks to wear and remove clothes easier.  

• Caffeine should be avoided. Caffeine intake can worsen essential tremors. It may also cause problems with your ability to sleep if you take it in the evening. 

• Patients with essential tremors usually experience sleep issues. Getting enough sleep can reduce the risk of night accidents, including slips and falls.

• Buy comfortable shoes and consider buying slip-on footwear or shoe horns.

When to visit the doctor?

Anyone who experiences tremors in their hands or other body parts without warning should consult a doctor for a diagnosis. A doctor will need to rule out more serious causes, some of which may require immediate medical attention.

If tremors that are already present intensify or start to affect a person's everyday life, they should contact a doctor.

Takeaway

When moving or keeping a certain posture, everyone feels a tiny tremor in their hands or other body parts. This is known as a "physiologic tremor" and is considered normal. Stress or anxiety, caffeine use, and lack of sleep are the factors that might make the tremor more serious.

An underlying medical issue or a side effect of a certain medicine can sometimes be indicated by severe or persistent tremors. Anyone who experiences tremors unexpectedly should seek medical attention as soon as possible.