Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders, affecting as many as five million Americans, the majority of them age 60 or older. It often runs in families, but can also occur without a family history. The condition most often causes tremor in the hands, head or voice. The disease is sometimes confused with Parkinson's disease. However, unlike Parkinson's disease, essential tremor does not affect other aspects of movement and does not lead to serious complications.

Treatment

Symptoms of essential tremor often become worse with fatigue, stress and sleep deprivation. If lifestyle changes are not successful at relieving symptoms, several medications are available that provide relief. In individuals whose tremors are severely debilitating and medications are not effective, ablation surgery or deep brain stimulation surgery are very effective options. Both types of procedures are offered at The Nebraska Medical Center.