<< Back
|
Head Tremors & ET
|
Donate
Essential tremor is by far the most common cause of head tremor.
Essential meaning in medicine, “of unknown cause”, like Essential Tremor.
Are head tremors serious?
In addition to your hands, tremors can affect other parts of your body such as your head, voice, face and trunk. The tremor itself isn't dangerous, but it can cause problems with everyday activities as the condition worsens.
Tremors involve rhythmic, involuntary muscle contractions that lead to shaking in one or more parts of the body.
To help control head tremor, turn your head to the side. To reduce tremors when you're using your hands, hold your elbows close to your body. When you apply makeup, rest your elbows on a table or countertop.
The cause of Essential tremor is unknown.
However, one theory suggests that your cerebellum and other parts of your brain are not communicating correctly. The cerebellum controls muscle coordination.
Triggers
Some factors can make essential tremor more pronounced. These include:
- fatigue
- stress and anxiety
- hunger or low blood sugar
- caffeine consumption
- hot or cold temperatures
- tobacco use
Vitamin D has been associated with many distinct neurological functions, particularly neuroprotection. Insufficient levels have consequently been linked to an increased likelihood of developing neurological diseases such as movement disorders, neuromuscular disorders, multiple sclerosis, and dementia Contrary to Parkinson’s disease, vitamin D deficiency, and bone abnormalities are under-investigated in hyperkinetic movement disorders (HKMDs). Several HKMDs, including essential tremor, RLS, and Huntington disease, are associated with vitamin D deficiency in up to 89%, the latter also with reduced bone mineral density.
Treatment
Regarding medication, doctors will use trial and error to find the most appropriate drug and dosage for each person. The following table lists the first, second, and third lines of treatment for essential tremor.
Regarding medication, doctors will use trial and error to find the most appropriate drug and dosage for each person. The following table lists the first, second, and third lines of treatment for essential tremor.
BOTOX is a neurotoxin that causes localized paralysis.
Botox injections may be beneficial in treating voice and head tremors. However, botox injections for hand tremors can lead to weakness in the fingers.
Botox injections may be beneficial in treating voice and head tremors. However, botox injections for hand tremors can lead to weakness in the fingers.
First line of treatment
propranolol
primidone
combination of propranolol and primidone
Second line of treatment
gabapentin
pregabalin
topiramate
clonazepam, alprazolam
atenolol, metoprolol
zonisamide
Third line of treatment
nimodipine
clozapine
These drugs have not received FDA approval to treat essential tremor specifically, but some doctors prescribe them for this purpose on an off-label basis.
propranolol
primidone
combination of propranolol and primidone
Second line of treatment
gabapentin
pregabalin
topiramate
clonazepam, alprazolam
atenolol, metoprolol
zonisamide
Third line of treatment
nimodipine
clozapine
These drugs have not received FDA approval to treat essential tremor specifically, but some doctors prescribe them for this purpose on an off-label basis.
