Shaky hands are not a sign of aging. And a shaky head is not a sure sign of Parkinson’s disease. An involuntary shaking of the hands, head, voice, legs or trunk can be a sign of essential tremor (ET).
ET is one of the most common movement disorders in the world, and the most common cause of tremor. It impacts an estimated 10 million people in the U.S. alone. Though not life threatening, it can be life-debilitating. Because it is an action tremor, it occurs when trying to perform daily activities such as eating, drinking, writing, typing, shaving, etc. The severity tremors can vary based on the activity being performed, and often worsens with stress and fatigue.
March is National Essential Tremor Awareness Month (NETA), a time to educate the public about this common condition, and rally support for those impacted by it. 2021 year marks the 10th anniversary of NETA Month. In December 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed resolution 1264 declaring this special recognition month. Each year since that time, the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) has coordinated a special awareness campaign during March.
“March is an important time for all those affected by ET,” said Patrick McCartney, executive director of the IETF. “We truly believe that where there is awareness, there is hope. The designation of March as National Essential Tremor Awareness Month provides our organization with another platform to educate the public about the condition, as well as raise much needed funds to find better treatments and a cure.”
This year’s NETA Month theme is “Let’s Talk About ET.” Here are some facts to get the conversation started:
• ET is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease, yet it’s eight times more common.
• The median age for the onset of ET is 45, but it can affect anyone at any age – even infants.
• ET is often associated with a strong family history, but no specific ET-related gene has been identified.
• Researchers estimate 4 to 5 percent of people ages 40 to 60 have ET. The incidence rate for people age 60 and older is estimated to be between 6.3 and 9 percent.
• Many people with ET are too embarrassed to go out in public and remain isolated in their homes, which can lead to depression.
• There is no cure for ET, but there are medications that can calm the tremor for some people. For advanced cases, there are surgical treatments.
The IETF is offering free awareness posters during March. These posters define ET and list some facts. Order yours here.
“Let’s Talk About ET” water bottles and tote bags are being offered during March for those who make a donation to support the IETF’s mission. Learn more here.
I think i have this tremor for the last 6 months im tryiny to get a scan but its impossible ive been to the hospital they sent me home after testing me for a stroke waiting for my neurologist appointment but with covid impossible im suffering can you helo
We’re so sorry for your struggles. Some neurologists are offering virtual appointments during the pandemic, so you might ask about that with your doctor. It’s difficult to have to wait, but so important that you have an accurate diagnosis. There are many things need to be ruled out, such as stroke, reaction to medications . . . or have you had a recent fall or injury that may have caused your tremor? Is there a history of tremor in your family (did either of your parents have it?) It is common for ET to be hereditary. While you are waiting for your appointment, continue to educate yourself about ET so you can ask the right questions when you see your neurologist. Here are some links to some information that might be helpful: https://essentialtremor.org/resources/living-with-et/. Here is a link to some “coping tips” that you can try: https://essentialtremor.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Coping-Tips-062019.pdf.