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$Title{Is "Essential Tremor" Related to Parkinson's?}
$Subject{tremor essential treatment shake hand drinking alcohol shaking
propranolol primidone nervous system nerves tremors shakes drink drinks
familial}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is "Essential Tremor" Related to Parkinson's?


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QUESTION:  When my husband's hand started to shake, we thought it was a sign
of Parkinson' disease.  However we are now told that it is something called
"essential tremor".  It has gradually become worse and it now affects his
voice.  Does this mean he will someday develop a full blown Parkinson's?  Do
you know of any treatments that might help?  Thank you.

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ANSWER:  Some estimates place the number of people with essential tremor to be
in the millions, and certainly it is the most common tremor disorder seen in
the United States.  It may start at any age, but usually begins during
mid-life.  There is a positive family history in about 50 percent of the cases
which helps to differentiate it from Parkinson's, where the family history is
most often negative.  While it often only affects one side of the body, it can
touch the hands, legs, head and trunk, and the severity varies greatly from
person to person.  There is no link between essential tremor and Parkinson's
disease.  A peculiar aspect of essential tremor is that drinking alcohol can
dramatically reduce the shaking, a situation that does not occur with
Parkinson's.  Both propranolol (80 to 320 mg/day) and primidone (50 to 250 mg/
day), alone or together, offer real hopes for improvement.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.