Conditions
Benign Essential Tremor
Benign essential tremor sends your hands to jelly. Tremor quite simply causes your hands to shake – considerably and constantly, thus shattering any aspirations of a career in brain surgery. Whilst it might not sound that serious if the condition deteriorates those afflicted may find it increasingly problematic to carry out the simplest of tasks such as writing, using cutlery, and – let’s not shy away from it – wiping their bum. Benign Essential Tremor has a habit of flaring up and becoming worse when a person is stressed, tired, angry, anxious, hot or cold. A high level of adrenaline in the body can also heighten the shaking as can caffeine and some prescribed medicines. It isn’t just the hands that can be affected; infrequently the voice, face and upper body have known to suffer too though there is some release as tremor usually fades when resting or moving. If the tremor is so bad that it’s affecting your day-to-day life then there are a few things that can ease the symptoms. Beta blockers, anti-convulsants or even a deep brain simulator have all proven affective in a high percentage of cases and (whilst it should in no way be relied upon) one or two units of alcohol have been shown to temporarily relieve the tremor completely, which can be particularly helpful before you give that important speech, or go out on that big date.
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Hi I am 19 and my hands always shake when I concentrate it really effects my life style as I would like to be a beauty therapist. People always ask me what it is but I dont even know myself. I have had it for ages. I havnent went to see what causes it. Is this what it is? and how can I get rid of it? thanks :)
I'm 26 and have had a tremor in my hands for as long as i remember. lately i have been noticing it a lot more and every time someone asks me if i'm cold or whats the matter i sort of make me angry. i'm sick of telling people that it happens all the time. I watched the show and this sounds about right to me. but every time i go to the doctors to ask about it the tremor seems to stop. It gets worse when i'm stressed, worried. i dont drink caffeine or alcohol as they dont agree with me and i tried beta blockers but had to stop taking them as had heart problems when younger. is there anything lse i could try?
Hi I'm 53 years old, and I've had shaking hands, or bad nerves for all of my life. A lot of people think it is a drink related problem, but it isn't. Sometimes it is a lot worse, to the point I cannot carry a cup of tea without spilling it all over the place, my handwriting is also appauling. I wish somebody could help me at least understand what the cause is.
I'm 28 and have had tremors as long as I can remember, I have to admit I was most pleased when I learned of alcohol's benefits! I find the strength of the tremors varies from day to day, generally I get by with no bother, but trying to solder is a bit of a no go!
Hi i'm 14 and my hands are shakey all the time but it gets worse when i'm nervous/excited. it doesn't really effect me physically as i can do everyday stuff easily, except things like threading a needle and often knock/spill things over more than average. The only thing is many of my friends and people at school notice and ask me whats wrong with my hands, this just makes me feel upset and embarrased. it's only a little thing but it really bothers me.
I am 19 and my hands shake all the time. I didnt really take much notice of it but recently I have and it is really annoying! I started to get a bit more worried when i was drying and straightening my hair, i seemed to shake a bit more agressively when i had crip of the handles. Is this what this is?
hi my husbands hands shake ,they always have not violently but you can see it clearly ,it has always worried me .
my head shakes when i concentrate like watching the tv or reading a book. At the computer at work talking to customers or when i am under pressure. Any ideas what this could be?
The beta blocker he was put on was Propranolol, which in my experience and from the experiences of other rarely works. I am 22 and have had essential tremor in my hands, legs and now my head, since I was 4. Over the years it has progressively got worse, to the point now that I am having to have brain surgery as it is stopping me doing basic daily tasks such as writing, feeding myself, dressing, shaving etc etc. I have tried various drugs through the years, with nothing working. Alcohol used to help control the tremor, but obviously this isn't safe treatment. I was bullied heavily through school, and still get propblems now from so called adults. I am now at University studying Electronics with medicine, and although it makes things alot harder, there is the support out there to make it a little bit easier. Please go and see specialists, as from past experience, GP's seem fairly ignorant to the disease.
i cannot believe that i have found someone with exactly the same problem as me at exactly the same age as me who was also bullied for this! i tried intense weight training for four years to try and strengthen my body but it has not helped in combatting my condition! was your specialist reluctant in offering you the brain surgery? please reply
hi i havent been diagnosed with this but im wondering if i might have it. i am on medication (concerta and olanzapine). my right hand shakes constantly, and it gets really bad some times, i have even walked out of lessons because of it. i wasnt worried about it, it was just something i put up with but now my right foot has started shaking and im stuttering while talking something have never done. its really starting to get on my nerves and it stoping/slowing me down at everyday tasks. im also having trouble getting to sleep but i dont drink caffine before bed but my mind is racing. could you tell me please if i have got the condition described, or something more serious, or nothing a all.
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