Benign Essential tremor is a neurological disorder characterized by shaking of hands (and sometimes other parts of the body including the head), evoked by intentional movements. The exact incidence is unknown, but it is presumed to be the most common type of tremor and also the most commonly observed movement disorder. [citation needed] Essential tremor was also previously known as “benign essential tremor”, but the adjective “benign” has been removed in recognition of the sometimes disabling nature of the disorder.
Cause
Half of the cases are due to gene mutation and transmitted dominantly. There are two main loci: ETM1 and ETM2.[1] The rest are idiopathic. No identifiable and consistent structural abnormality has yet been demonstrated to exist in the nervous system of every person with ET.
A French kindred study found that the Ser9Gly variant of the dopamine receptor D3 (DRD3) was strongly associated with ET in 23 out of 30 families studied.[2]
Diagnosis
Usually the diagnosis is established on clinical grounds. Tremors can start at any age, from birth through advanced ages (senile tremor). Any voluntary muscle in the body may be affected, though it’s most commonly seen in the hands and arms and slightly less commonly in the neck (causing the patient’s head to shake), eyelids, larynx, tongue, trunk, and legs. A resting tremor of the hands is sometimes present.
ET does sometimes occur in combination with other neurological disorders such as dystonia and benign fasciculation syndrome. However, there is no clear evidence that having ET predisposes a person to one of these disorders.
Symptoms
Essential tremor (ET) generally presents as a rhythmic tremor (4-12Hz) that is present only when the affected muscle is exerting effort (i.e., it is not present at rest). Any sort of physical or mental stress will tend to make the tremor worse, often creating the false impression that the tremor is of psychosomatic origin. It is typical for the tremor to worsen in “performance” situations, such as when making out a check at a checkout stand. ET-related tremors do not occur during sleep, but patients sometimes complain of an especially coarse tremor upon awakening that becomes noticeably less coarse within the first few minutes of wakefulness. Tremor intensity can otherwise worsen in response to fatigue, strong emotions, low blood sugar, cold, caffeine, lithium salts, some antidepressants or other factors.
In disabling cases, ET can interfere with a person’s ability to perform tasks of daily living, including feeding, dressing, and activities of personal hygiene.
ET is usually painless, although in some cases tremor of the head or neck causes pain, and writing can become painful quickly for a person with hand tremors who grips a pen tightly in a struggle to maintain control over penmanship.
Sometimes people with ET develop a raspy speaking voice while their ET symptoms worsen over time. When this dysphonia occurs, it is true even in cases where the person’s tremor symptoms were first noticeable during early childhood and, so, is unlikely to be related to commonplace reductions in quality that can gradually affect the speaking voices of some elderly people.
People with ET often report a progressive decline in their sense of balance and their fine motor skills.
ET is clearly progressive in most cases (sometimes rapidly, sometimes very slowly), and can be disabling, but significant disability is rare.
Treatment
Drug treatment may include tranquilizers, beta-blockers, and antiepileptic drugs. Surgical treatments (which are generally reserved for the most severe cases) include botulism toxin injections into the affected muscles, thalamotomy, pallidotomy, and deep brain stimulation – the insertion of a brain pacemaker.
The two medications that are prescribed most commonly for control of ET symptoms are the anticonvulsant Primidone (Mysoline) and the beta-blocker propranolol (Inderal).
Minor cases of ET can be treated with physical therapy and development of the muscles in the sections of the body that are severe in their shaking.
Other potential sources of tremor (excessive caffeine consumption, recreational drug use, medications, hyperthyroidism) should be excluded if possible
Support groups
The International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) provides information, services and support to individuals and families affected by essential tremor (ET). The organization encourages and promotes research in an effort to determine the causes, treatment and ultimately the cure for ET. The IETF is a worldwide organization dedicated to meeting the needs of those whose daily lives are challenged by ET. IETF, an international non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that derives its support entirely from its membership and the general public, was founded in 1988 and is guided by a board of directors and a medical advisory council. The organization’s membership consists of patients, physicians, educators, parents, relatives and volunteers who provide education, community services and funding to help support tremor research.
The National Tremor Foundation (NTF), founded in 1992, is a British friendly organisation based in Essex, England, an affiliate of the International Tremor Foundation, which was founded in 1988. The organisation’s primary work is production of a quarterly informational newsletter. The NTF also maintains a list of ITF medical advisors, and facilitates the formation of self-help groups. NTF was granted charitable status in 1994.
Help with Technology
Tunic Software has released software to help people with essential tremor, Parkinson’s Disease, and other causes of hand tremor control their computer mouse. Called ‘MouseCage’, the software automatically smooths mouse cursor motion to reduce the effects of unsteady or shaky hands.– anti-tremor mouse software
IBM created a peripheral device that filters out tremoring movements of the hand. The hardware adapter, termed AMA, is connected between the computer and the input device. It is switched on or off and adjusted for tremor severity right on the device.
IBM also offer a free smoothing mouse driver for windows 2000 and XP which uses the same technology that helps steady the image in a hand held camcorder. See http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/mousesmoothing
Another option is http://www.steadymouse.com/about/
Other tools have also been adapted for people with tremors; for example, eating utensils which are weighted to help damp out tremor.
References
- ^ Kovach M, Ruiz J, Kimonis K et al (2001). “Genetic heterogeneity in autosomal dominant essential tremor”. Genet Med 3 (3): 197-9. PMID 11388761.
- ^ Jeanneteau F, Funalot B, Jankovic J, et al. (2006). “A functional variant of the dopamine D3 receptor is associated with risk and age-at-onset of essential tremor”. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 103 (28): 10753–8. PMID 16809426.
I have Benign Essential Tremors, can you please keep me informed on developments and research in this field in Australia. I live in Nowra (250Kms south of Sydney)
Hello Sanjiv Lal, My mom has symptoms of neck tremor. She has observed that it happens to her whenever she puts physical strain (like opening a bottle cap) and mental stress also. Doctors so far has not being able to diagnoise her problem exactly and I came across this atricle and saw striking similarities, which is why I thought of sharing some thoughts with you. Could you please help us by posting about what all test you had to do for your diagnosis? My mom lives in Manipur, India and she is in her mid 50s. I will appreciate any thouthgs.
Hi
My name is Terry McGreevy I live in the Republic of Ireland; i have just read your article on benign essential tremors, very interesting, i can relate to most of the symptoms. I have been taking sinemet cr for three years now, (the symptoms got worse after having heart attack and bypass surgery) and it seems to work fairly well, i take it t.i.d. i also take zanax prn which helps too but i only take it if i would be doing something which seems’ to stress me out i.e. meetings eating out, meal times seem to be my most stressful time?, like you say in your article it seems that it is psychosymatic. I can’t take beta blockers as i have bronchiectisis and they affect my chest so if there is something out there that may help decrease them i would be most greatful to find out. I hope this reply may help someone else.
Thanks Terry
Thanks for info on website. My daughter and I both suffer from BET although she is much worse than I am. My father was also afflicted. My daughter is the one I’m concerned for. She cannot take beta blockers as she is asthmatic, also suffers from depression and takes antidepressants. Her hand tremor is quite pronounced and has affected her working life. She is a brilliant artist and writer, but her tremor makes this impossible and tires her out trying to control it. Her hearing is also affected. She does not have the head and neck tremors that I have, thank goodeness and I notice that my tremors are becoming worse as I approach my 60th year. (people have commented) My daughter has sought medical help, but to no avail. As with Terry Mc Greevy, my daughter finds eating out most difficult as she oten has problems just keeping the food on her fork! I will inform her of this site. Thanks again.
i have the head tremors and sometimes in my hand.my mind goes blank sometions.my tremors are made worse during stessful situations.my mental health doctor says i have g.a.d. she presscribed medicine,but it is nt helping me. i just wonder if i should get a second opinion.
my daughter has bet also for about 6months she has been diagnosed with it
how old are you
its in her right hand
she is 15 and we dont no anyone with it that young for her to talk with please respond to me
My daughter is also 15 years and has recently been diagnosed with ET it is very hard for her as she does cheer leading and has been dropped from some of the routines as her tremor gets worse as she gets nervous we have been given a computer for school as she cannot hold a pen for longer than 1 minute and she also uses a lift in school as she gets clumsy at times our doctor is stuck in the dark ages and does’nt realise how much this affects her so we are moving to a different practice where there are lady doctors if you want to contact feel free ok
Hi Carol, unfortunately I am a lot older than your daughter, I am 67years old and have had BET since I was about 25yrs old it is funny when you look back you can relate more as to what was happening in the prior years, I wasn’t diagnosed with BET until I was in my 30s’ as I had too may other things going on health wise, my daughter who is 45 also has this condition and she now knows what I go through. I really think it is up to the individual as to what they do because everyone is so different, thank god it is a slow process as to what happens, but I still get frustrated when I go out with my family, actually we laugh about it trying to make me feel better, sometimes it works. As I said before I have it in my feet too, my left foot is worse I don’t have total control over it and sometimes I trip over my own feet. At times I am so scared I may fall. Some days are worse than others, I can relate to your daughter going in the lift because stairs are very daunting, you never know if you will trip or not.
I hope your daughter can find someone around her own age to communicate with as it may help her, but if I can help in any way please keep in touch.
All the best Margaret
I suffered very badly with tremors, I am 74 years old, I cured myself, I stopped taking Asprin, I noticed a huge difference within 36 hour. Thank God NO more tremors. Do not think it hurts to check diet when anything goes wrong. Hope it helps someone.
Thank you for posting the article, and it is good to hear from people who are having the same sort of problems as me. I have had hand tremours for about 9 years, since i was 16. They tend to flare up then subside for a few months. I am a student nurse and encounter stressful situations at work which make my hands shake a lot more which i find embaressing in front of patients, relatives and staff. Ofcourse i am concerned that in the end i will be unable to practise nursing due to the need for fine motor skill, taking blood etc, but i suppose i just have to take it one week/month and year at a time.
I haven’t experiemented with medications as of yet and i am unsure if it is best to wait until the problems effect my day to day life to a greater extent before trying medications. For the immediate future i intend on cutting out all caffine products, increased exercise regieme and better nutrition. Anyway just wanted to share my experinces… all the best to all of you.
I have just been diagnosed with BET and reading all the comments has been really useful. My hand shaking has gotten progressively worse over the past few months and people have started to comment on it. I was interested to note in the article that it mentions thyroid medication as a potential source. As I take this medication I would like to hear more about this.
I have yet to be diagnose with BET but the as with everyone else stress caffeine ect aggravate it sometimes serverly….
I never rememberd having tremors until i was prescribed paxil in the military for anxiety and had a bad reaction to it
Is it more likely that someone in my family had it and I dont know about it or paxil or maybe heavy metal poisoning?
Like all of you I also have BET. They developed after a case of Menegitis for me. It has been three years now and I do see a Neurologist for them. I am currently taking Mysoline for them and Gabapentin (for nerve damage) and the combination works really well for me. My most prodominate tremors are in my lower jaw and face. It also does affect my head, hands and back (rocking motion). I have also had them from time to time in other parts of my body including my legs and feet. I have cut out most caffeine consumption and try to stay as stress free as possible. I am interested in anything else anyone can share with me. Thank you for your time.
Thank You For This Wed Site…
I Am only 15 But I Do Under Stand This Very Much!
-Kim
my daughter is aslo 15 and has it in her hand would u please get back to us if possible
BET peeps please friend me
thank you…..
And Again Thank You……..
I to have just been to see a neurogolist thinking I had Parkinsons. I was so relieved to hear I had BET not realising this can also be bad. I have the head and hand tremors, also problems with my neck and throat, which I thought was related to my arthritis. My specialist said that alcohol in small amounts could assist, after reading your comments I now know cut back on coffee, any other suggestions? Tricia. Cairns Australia.
Tricia, I wonder if I could get your email address? It sounds like you have been through similar to me with your tremor. I would like to ask you a bit more if you don’t mind. I developed a tremor (3weeks after a hysterectomy in 2007 when I hadn’t been given replacement hormones). Just after tremor started there was an article in the paper saying that women who have their ovaries removed before menopause can develop parkinsons due to lack of oestrogen! You can imagine how scared I became! Saw 3 neurologists back then. One said he didn’t think it was PD. The next one said he thought it was ET. The third was an arrogant, condescending creep who said he didn’t believe the lack of oestrogen theory! (probably because it didn’t come from him). I worry alot that it’s PD and would rather it be ET. I am 50 and wondered if you were a similar age and if you yourself have had a total hysterectomy? Probably not, but it would be good to talk to another woman who has had concerns about having PD. Hoping to hear from you, Kaylene.
I have had tremors since the earliest I can remember which would be Kindegarton. I remember shaking very badly in school. My grandma has them, her father, my brother, and aunt. It seemed to skip my mother for some reason. They caused me severe anxiety growing up especially being in front of my peers. I would shake so bad with any type of emotion I had, happy, scared, sad, etc. My drama teacher who I loved had ET and kids would comment how I was just like her because we both shook so bad which made me feel a little better there was someone I really liked and respected who was like me. When I was 19 my boss would see me shake and asked a co worker if I had a drug problem. I started being treated for anxiety due to my tremors when I was 23. I did not know what I had or what it was called. We went through all different kinds of medicine and I could not tolerate anything and finally a doctor gave me Klonopin to take for a week before the anti depressants she wanted me to take would kick in. I finally had relief with the Klonopin. I started researching and found out what I had was called ET. I went to a nerologist finally three years after being misdiagnosed by doctors who confirmed I had ET and I was given Klonopin to take as needed. I dont take it alot since I really dont work that much anymore and stay home alot but it was a life saver for me when I was working and when I would go out socially with people. I wish I had it in high school. If I had it I wouldent have dropped out of my senior year into a remedial program just so I dident have to take speech class because I was so worried about being nervous and being unable to control the shaking. It is affected and becomes worse for me with stress, emotions, workouts, hot/cold temps, and eating alot of carbs. I try to watch my carb intake because it gets really bad with too many bad foods. My drama teacher in school did not worry about her ET and dident let it affect her. She wasent self concious about it at all. I hope one day I am like her.
My tremors have been with me since birth. My mother noticed my hands shaking when I was learning to eat. I went to a children’s hospital that diagnosed me with essential tremors. The little things that have bothered me over the years have been: appearing nervous when I am not; self-consciousness at certain jobs such as working a register; difficulty mastering tasks that require fine motor skill (but I’ve been happily surprised to find that with practice I am able to do things which at first seemed impossible like putting in contacts!); and the inability to take still camera photo shots without a tripod!
During the last 5 years I have taken up painting and have found that while the tremor was initially very intimidating while using a brush, I gradually gained more control AND learned that the tremors forced a certain expressionistic style that has worked well for me and fits my personality.
I do drink coffee which should be a big ‘no, no’ but I do it anyway. I choose to not take medication for my tremors and have found if I can remember to appear confident, most people figure out the tremors are a medical condition and not psychologically based! Also, I’ve found once people get to know me, they don’t really pay attention to the tremors. It’s the new people!
Good luck to everyone on this site!
I have ET and am taking 3 medicine to control my right arm and head tremors. It helps a little but makes me realy tired. I just want to lie down and sleep. I have difficulty working and don’t know how long I will last. Is there any medicine that will help my ET but not make me so tired to destroy my kidneys? I have a family to take care of and have to work.
Thank-you,
James Kim
I am 75 and was diagosed with et. 10 years ago. I was so releived it wasn’t Parkinsons. My has progressively gotten worse and has affected my larynx. Am toying with the idea of Botox treatment. I am mainly writing for my 10 year old Grandson who has had essential tremors from the age of 4. He has entered Grade 5 and up to this point has had such great teachers but this year is really having trouble. I am mainly writing for writing and computer aids for him. I have heard of weighted mice but don’t know much about them. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Yours truly Janice
Tom, you are absolutely correct, it shows that you’re an authority on the subject. I admire someone that takes the pride you have and with your projecton of information. oSo when i actually do sit down to read material, I appreciate well written and organized blogs like this one. I have it bookmarked and will be back. Thanks.
While neither I nor my mother have been diagnosed (on official terms), my aunt by marriage, also a doctor, identified my mother’s shaky hands as essential tremors. I too have had this condition for as long as I can remember. Judging from my mother’s condition it is, if not debilitating, then at least considerably troublesome.
I am very worried about my own condition worsening. Currently I experience noticeable tremors in my hands (using a fork, holding or passing on documents) and my voice, which worsen with stress. Either I have grown more aware of this condition or it is getting worse. I suspect the latter.
It is really quite humiliating at my age to have to explain to every person I meet, why I appear to be shaky and neurotic (to be fair, there is a fair deal of neurotic there in the first place).
I don’t like the idea of taking drugs myself. When my mother suggested I consult the doctor, the doctor was not particularly forthcoming about it either. I hope that I can find a natural supplement that might at least alleviate some of the symptoms.
Hi… I have had benign essential tremors since birth and am currently 42 years old. Ironically it’s never stopped me from anything I wanted to do in my life until a few weeks ago when my nursing professor accused me of being disabled. I never felt that I was disabled as my family as BET and never made me feel this way. I withdrew from nursing school and am completely devastated as now I have to fight this stupid prof and see docs that I never needed. My heart is broken as I just want to be a nurse. I have been very depressed and taking Xanax to no avail. Anyone else have any similar situation?
Thanks… email me privately
I am a 57 year old male and have suffered ET all my life. My hands are my major problem and of course the problem gets worse as I age. I am terrified when I see the difficulty my 88 year old father faces every day.
Propranolol brings limited relief, alcohol brings great relief but obviously is not always suitable to the occasion.
As a fellow sufferer I feel for you all. As an Australian living in Sydney I am keen to meet others and perhaps organise our own support group.
I AM 47 NOW AND WAS BORN WITH ESSENTIAL TREMORS. MY MOTHER HAD THIS AND WAS DIAGNOSED AT AGE 12 AS HAVING MENNINGITIS AND THEN THE TREMORS DISAPEARED. MY MOTHER DRANK WHILE SHE CARRIED ME FOR 7 MONTHS.I WAS A HIGH RISK BIRTH. I CAME ACROSS DIFFERENT NEUROLOGICAL STUDIES SINCE MY 20’S AND HAVE LOOKED INTO SOME POSSIBILITIES. FETAL ALCHOHOL SYNDROM, AND THE LACK OF DOPAMINE,
OR THE LACK OF VITAMINS SUCH AS B12. HERE I’VE BEEN THINKING THAT I WAS ALONE IN THIS UNTIL TODAY. MICHAEL J FOX IS AN INSPIRATION TO ME. HE IS FIGHTING FOR A CURE NOT JUST FOR MEDICINE TO COVER UP OR CAUSE MORE SIDE AFFECTS THAT DO NOT WORK.TO ME HE IS A REAL PIONEER AND I AM LOOKING FORWORD FOR THE CURE TO PARKINSONS.
WITH THAT CURE OTHERS WILL FOLLOW FOR ALL NEUROLOGICAL MOVEMENT DISORDERS. THERE IS NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE AND I BELIEVE
THAT THERE IS A CURE FOR ESSENTIAL TREMORS. STAY POSSITIVE, DO NOT STOP LIVING BECAUSE OF THIS. WEAN YOURSELF FROM CAFFIENE,TAKE VITAMIN B12, EXERCISE YOUR MIND,BODY AND SPIRIT. WE CAN OVERCOME THE NAME ESSENTIAL TREMOR AND ALL IT’S NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS. LIFT ONE ANOTHER UP AND LOOK FOR POSSITIVE OUTLETS
SUCH AS I LIKE THE PAINTING IDEA, I MAY TRY THAT. THANK YOU ALL.
I am 31 years old, female, and in school to become an RN. I have been shaky for as long as I can remember. My head shakes and I get twitching throught my body, almost like jerks. I had a very difficult time in school, especially since I had no idea what was going on with me. People would always acuse me of being on drugs, it was so embarrasing. It wasnt until about 6 years ago when I finally saw a neurologist. I was diagnosed with ET. I was given promidone and mysoline but neither really helped because I took it on occassion. So I gave up and decided to suck it up and live with it. I was devistated recently when I was pulled over for speeding and the officer asked me to get out of the car so he could search the car for drug. He asked me if I was on anything. I told him if he was insinuating that I was on drugs because of my shaking that it was because of my ET. I had to explain the condition, but he still searched my car and didnt seem to believe me. When the officer realized I had nothing in the car he let me go with a ticket. I broke down crying and couldnt drive for at least a half hour. So I decided to go back to the doctor and I was given promidone again. This time my neuro explained the importance in taking my meds everyday around the same time to see what would happen. She also told me to take one extra a day if needed. I have been doing this for a few months now and have noticed a huge difference. In addition, I stay away from tobacco, I intake minimal caffine, stretch,drink lots of water, and eat healthy. Oh, whoever is reading this…..try drinking lots of water and eating healthy for a week along with taking your meds and see if you notice a huge difference. I know it sounds basic, but you would be surprised what a difference it makes…………..Thanks to everyone for posting. Its great to know that Im not alone!!!
To April and everyone with E.T. It IS wonderful to know we are not alone. I also have had essential tremor since childhood. When I was in my thirties my brother would accuse me of having a hangover I would shake so much at family dinners. I take Primidone And Propronel which helped at first but I seem to need more as I get older. Also my Doctor said I could have two glasses of wine a day in the evening, That is very relaxing. Have to be careful I stick to the two glasses though. I do not drink any caffine, coffee decaff is one a day, decaff green tea and all good food and trying to not stress out!! Water is great!!Thanks.
I was dx with ET at age 16, I am now 47 and they are getting worse now they affect my head. I am a nurse and it sometimes makes the pts think i am nervous. I however can control my hands with some thought and patience. Is anyone takeing natural ingredients that help? Would appriciate help.
thanks paula
my husband is 71 and has et and it has become much worse over the last few months. he takes primadone,propanalol,gabapentin and klonipin….each med is at the maximum dose….his neuro doc is hoping and testing to see if he can have dbs, since the quality of life now sucks. it’s impossible to eat out without assistance and fishing is out….can’t bait the hook, he loves working on and making model boats which is impossible. he can not use a cell phone and can only use a speaker phone at home. hopefully there is a light at the end of the tunnel because staying positive about et is impossible, we have tried all the tricks and dbs is the final action.
my husband is 51 and he suffers trible with it he is on his last medication at the limited dose please could you tell me wot dbs is i am so worried about my husban like yours he has lost intrest in a lot of thing due to the tremmers
elizabeth dicks
my husband has been suffering from tremmers for some time now he is on tabalets for it but they dont seem to be working we dont go out for meals becouse people stear at himit gets him down i wish there was more out there they can do its nice to know we r not on our own
Hello – I’m almost 57 and I have suffered from ‘the Tremors’ in my right hand/arm for about 11 years. In 2009 I went to a Neurologist and he diagnosed me with PD, but I’m still NOT convinced that it IS PD..During this year I’ve noticed difficulty in swallowing, but it appears to be coming from my jaw, rather than my neck.My Dad suffered from B E T for about 40 years, and then he was diagnosed with a rare stomach cancer, and that was HIS C O D..i/we had three daughters, and they’re ‘grown up’ now, and live elsewhere.. Apparently my Dad’s mother suffered from ‘Tremors’ too, but she had a massive ‘stroke’ while she was in her mid- forties, and passed away quite young..
Like quite a few other people on this ‘forum’ I’m just looking for satisfactory answers..
Pam S
Hi……I am a sufferer of ET as my Father was and my older sister. I also suffer with mild asthma…so doctors do not recommend medication. I live in Brisbane, Q’ld…does anyone know of a support group operating there…..or maybe get together and start one. Together we could find help with little tips on how to manage our symptoms and bring attention to the wider comunity on the problems of ET sufferers.
Hi Pam,
I have bronchial asthma and I am taking Inderal for my BET I have been taking it for quite a few years without any side affects. Hope this helps.
Margaret
Good courses…
[…]This site has a lot of good courses[…]…
I have recently been diagnosed with ‘Essential Tremors’ mainly in my Neck + hands. Th Left hand being th worst. I would welcome any helpful tips for my problem. Th Specialist was thorough but gave no other help other than a recommended dose of Propranolol @ 160mg per day. I am 61yrs old +work in Craft trades and also Self-Employed, so am concerned about providing future sustainable income. I live alone and may not have any help if my condition worsens.
Hi My name is Margaret,
I was diagnosed as having dystonia from a neurologist in wollongong when I was in my early thirties, I will be 67 in a couple of weeks, then as it got worse I was living in Qld and a neurologist up there diagnosed me as having BET. She prescribed Inderal for me and I have been taking it ever since. My tremors are in my hands and about 12 months ago I started getting it in my left foot, I have noticed when I go to bed at night and start to relax to go to sleep other parts of my body shake, but it is like it is under the skin as if it is crawling. My friends don’t realize what it is like, sometimes worse than others. It is so good to tell someone who is going through the same thing, also I have just found out that one of my daughters has BET as well.
hi Margaret gornall
i was diagnosed with the same BET when i was 15 years old and i layed off of the corn syrup, caffeine, and sugar which all foods has my tremor has not gotten worst at since i layed off of all the foods i don’t eat no more, when ever i ate the food i get tremors in my left hand that i don’t usually get but when i don’t eat the foods then i am okay then it only shakes when i am tired or nervous or anything else other than foods but never during the day it’ll only get worsen when eating the wrong things so please carry/pass on this information to your daughters and her kids as well and who ever else in your family. i am very lucky to know this info cause i really don’t want this BET but i know i have to live with it as there is no cure and don’t want the deep stimulation since it can cause paralyzing in some parts of the body.
low sugar lower than 23 sugars
no corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup
no caffeine such as chocolate, coffee, teas, ect.
carbs also lower the carbs down to 40 if not than 45 since cards turn to straight sugar as soon as it hits the body.
this not a cure but to just calm down the tremors and lessen them.
iam 16 year old the only way my BET is gonna get worse is from anxiety, nervous, worry and eating wrong things.
my mother found out this information somewhere i dont know where.
iam very happy to help you. and hope it’ll help for you as well as for you and the rest of your generations to come.
Hi Margaret, Thanks for sharing your information with me will take it all into consideration, I think the only thing we can be thankful for is that it is a slow debilitating disease I am just thankful that I didn’t get Parkinsons disease like my Mum
Margaret Gornall
i am so glad that i found this info i have bet and am a very heavy coffee drinker not knowing that this was bad for bet suffers have been having lot of shoulder and neck pain wonering if this could be part of bet would love any advice
Mary Stockdale
Have just read all the above, I have ET, first noticed them 4 years ago, but unlike you all, mine seem to have progressed faster, I also get ET in all my body, but have not noticed them in my head, my Doctor tells me the medication is worse then the problem, is any medication really working? Like you Margaret Gornall, inside my body shakes at times when I am lying down, my Dr. said he had never heard of that before. I am open to any help. Glad we can have a wine. I wish us all luck. Is there any scientific work on this problem?
Thanks Mary for your comments, I thought I was the only one that had it in my body when laying down, I notice it more when I go to bed, my tremors are getting worse in my hands but I can handle that ok, it is more annoying in my feet because I have no control in walking properly, my doctor has told me to start taking my inderal twice a day instead of once it helps a bit, but it is very frustrating in my feet because they want to do their own thing, some days are worse than others. Have a nice day Margaret
I have had BT for 15 years, when I was told I got put on propranolol. It didnt work. So I was tried on atenolol 50 mg. one pill two x a day. The only bad thing is I already have low b/p now it’s at 90/45 or 92/56 it always between there with a p of around 50. When I sleep my b/p is a bit lower 85/37 to 88/40. My Dr isn’t to worried about. I just have to keep track of my bp.