ET is not confined to the elderly. Children and middle-aged people can also have ET. No matter the age, people with ET lead active lives. They use their intellect, gifts, innate talent, and cultivated interests to make the most of their life. The IETF is proud to share their stories with you.
Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers Reveals Cervical Dystonia and Essential Tremor Diagnoses: ‘My Voice Will Not Be What It Was’ April 20, 2026
Emily Saliers, one-half of the Indigo Girls (alongside Amy Ray), says she’s facing two incurable medical conditions that will affect her vocal performance on the duo’s upcoming tour. Saliers shared she’s “had this diagnosis for a while” in a post published on the band’s Instagram account on Saturday (April 18). She said “the conditions get incrementally worse over time.” […]
Early Childhood Teacher Brings ET Awareness to Classrooms in the South March 1, 2026
Children and adults throughout parts of Florida and Georgia will soon be learning about essential tremor (ET) thanks to the efforts of early childhood educator Amber Troutman. Amber has made it her mission during National Essential Tremor Awareness Month in March, to place copies of the children’s book, “Shaky Quaky Jake” in Head Start locations […]
Over the Years, the Severity of My Tremors Has Slowly Progressed February 19, 2026
By Brian In my late 50’s I changed dental practices. While working on my teeth my new dentist’s hands shook so bad I feared his drilling would miss my tooth and hit flesh. Looking back, I regret silently criticizing him at the time as an alcoholic or severe caffeine addict. Now, after learning about essential tremor (ET), I […]
My ET Forced Me to Retire from My Ophthalmology Practice February 17, 2026
By William I am a retired ophthalmologist with essential tremor (ET) first diagnosed about 27 years ago. I was educated at UCLA Medical School and did my ophthalmology residency at the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute. I practiced ophthalmology for 30 years and did thousands of eye surgeries. I developed ET in both hands and […]
My ET Story February 12, 2026
By Jan Essential tremor has been part of my life since I was very young. Never could hold a microphone in my hand—affected my ability to perform in my profession. Now, in my 70’s, cannot put on makeup, lift a fork without a glass of wine first, write cursive, or feel confident accepting a breakfast […]
I Have Learned to Love Life, Love Myself and Step Up to the Challenge
By Michael I first noticed my tremor while I was in elementary school. It was especially noticed after I was baptized and was to take communion for the first time. I could not handle the little cups of the wine (grape juice) nor could I take the wafers out of the containers that were passed out. I was taken […]
For Better or for Worse. . .With Shaking Hands or Steady November 3, 2025
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to raise awareness about the role of family caregivers and recognize their support and selflessness. Many people with essential tremor are supported by a loving caregiver who assists them with daily tasks and provides emotional support as well. Sabrina Pilarski is a caregiver for her husband, Tom, […]
‘There’s No Bravery Involved When You Want Your Life to Be Normal’ July 10, 2025
Focused ultrasound was approved as a treatment for essential tremor in 2016. It utilizes sound waves to target and burn tissue deep within the thalamus (in the middle part of the brain) to stop tremor. The thalamus is the relay station for motor and sensory signals. The patient has their head shaved and wears a […]
Essential Tremor and DBS are Proving to Be a Challenge that Affect Every Task I Do. July 2, 2025
By Carlton Davis Since my Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, three years and 200 days have passed, but several problems continue to plague me. I fall often. Between 2024 and today in June, 2025, I have fallen about 20 times. No injuries have occurred because I could stand by levering myself up using a bed, […]
Essential Tremor is a Chronic Illness that Most People Don’t Know Exists March 17, 2025
By Conor Hi, my name is Conor. I’m 36 and from County Down Northern Ireland. Since I was a young child I’ve had hand tremors that were noticeable but I never addressed the issue. Two years ago when they started to progress rapidly. Then one day, I suffered an FND seizure and was rushed to […]