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How Does Essential Tremor Differ from Other Neurological Conditions?

What are some of the other neurological conditions with tremor symptoms and how do they differ from essential tremor? Read here to find out!

When you first approach a doctor about your shaking hands, you might be surprised when they diagnose you with essential tremor. How does this differ from other neurological conditions? Read on to ind out.

Essential Tremor

First and foremost, we should establish what is essential tremor. This condition features a trembling in the hands and the head, or other parts of the body, which can make simple everyday tasks like eating and drinking quite difficult. It can also affect the voice.

It is the most common movement disorder with an estimated 1 in 5 American adults over the age of 65 living with the condition. . While we do not yet know enough about it to prevent or cure it, there are a number of treatments someone can pursue to ease their tremors and make them a little easier to bear.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is one of the conditions which is most frequently confused with essential tremor since often they share a hand tremor as a symptom. However, Parkinson’s is not nearly as common as essential tremor. You are far more likely to suffer from essential tremor than Parkinson’s yet there is still a lot of confusion between the two and misdiagnosis can be common.

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One of the most obvious differences is that the tremors from Parkinson’s are rest tremors which essential tremor is an action tremor.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (or MS) is a condition with many symptoms including tremors.

MS is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath around the nerves, potentially damaging them and disrupting any signals they pass along to the brain. In comparison, essential tremor is caused by a malfunction in the thalamus; the part of the brain which controls motor function.

As can be seen, each of these conditions is very different. You should consult with your doctor if you are experiencing a tremor. Your doctor will perform the right tests to ensure you are receiving the correct diagnosis.