Essential tremor (ET) is a common disorder, resulting in uncontrollable shaking, most commonly in the hands or arms, but also in the head, voice, legs, or trunk. It is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.
Some people have a relatively mild tremor throughout their lives, while others develop a more severe tremor and increased disability. Generally, the tremor associated with ET occurs with action, such as while eating, drinking, or writing, or when holding the arms outstretched in front of the body.
While there is no cure for ET, medications may provide symptom relief. Medications generally lessen the severity of ET, but effectiveness can vary greatly from person to person. Increased medication for better tremor control may result in troubling side effects.
In some cases, people who suffer from ET may benefit from Activa DBS, a surgical treatment that has been proven to significantly reduce the tremor in the hands or arms associated with ET. This treatment has been approved for unilateral (one side of your body) stimulation of a targeted area in the brain.
