Affecting an estimated 10 million Americans, Essential Tremor is a neurological condition that causes shaking of the hands, head and voice, but it can also cause the legs and trunk to shake. ET is often confused with Parkinson’s disease, although it is eight times more common.
The primary symptoms associated with ET include:
- Uncontrollable shaking that occurs for brief periods of time
- Begins gradually, usually on one side of the body
- Occurs in the hands first, affecting one hand or both
- Can include a shaking voice or tremor of the head
- Worsening during periods of emotional stress and purposeful movement
Clinical research has identified the Vim nucleus of the thalamus as the spot in the brain which can be treated to alleviate the tremor. This treatment is accomplished with MR-guided Focused Ultrasound. Other treatment for Essential Tremor includes Deep Brain Stimulation.