K.N.O.W. Home Health - Essential Tremor

ESSENTIAL TREMORS

What Is Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor is a nervous system condition that causes parts of your body to shake or tremble when you are trying to move them. It is not the same as Parkinson’s disease. The shaking usually happens in the hands but can also affect the head, voice, or other body parts. The shaking gets worse when you try to do something, like drink from a cup or write.

What Causes Essential Tremor?

Doctors are not exactly sure what causes essential tremor. It may be due to problems in the parts of the brain that control movement. It often runs in families, which means it can be passed down from parents to children.

Symptoms

Shaking or trembling, mostly in the hands
Head nodding
Voice shaking
Trouble writing or using tools
The shaking happens more when you are trying to do something, not at rest

Risks

Essential tremor is not dangerous by itself, but it can lead to:

Trouble eating, drinking, or writing
Falls or injuries if the legs or body shake too much
Feeling embarrassed or anxious in public

Special Precautions

Use both hands when lifting or carrying things
Use cups with lids and straws to prevent spills
Use utensils with bigger handles to help with eating
Take your time with tasks
Ask for help with tasks that may cause a fall or injury

Diet and Lifestyle

Avoid too much caffeine, as it can make shaking worse
Some people say alcohol helps, but only in small amounts and only if your doctor says it’s okay
Eat healthy foods to keep your body strong
Stay active to help with balance and strength

Treatments

Essential tremor can’t be cured, but it can be treated. Your doctor may:

Give you medicine to help control the shaking
Recommend physical or occupational therapy
In severe cases, recommend surgery or special brain treatments

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor:

The shaking gets worse suddenly
You fall or are afraid you might fall
You have trouble eating, drinking, or taking care of yourself
You feel sad, hopeless, or too anxious

When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room:

You fall and hit your head
You suddenly cannot speak, move, or feel one side of your body
You are very confused or acting strange
You have trouble breathing

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Please read each statement. Circle either TRUE or FALSE. Then correct all FALSE statements.

True or False – Essential tremor is the same thing as Parkinson’s disease.
True or False – Essential tremor usually causes shaking in your hands when you are moving them.
True or False – The shaking happens most when you are resting and not doing anything.
True or False – Essential tremor can run in families.
True or False – People with essential tremor may have trouble drinking or writing.
True or False – You should avoid caffeine because it might make tremors worse.
True or False – It’s okay to drink alcohol in large amounts to stop the shaking.
True or False – Some people with tremors may feel embarrassed or anxious.
True or False – Using cups with lids and big-handled utensils can help.
True or False – Essential tremor is always dangerous and life-threatening.
True or False – Your doctor may give you medicine to help with the shaking.
True or False – Therapy and special exercises can help you stay safe and independent.
True or False – You should tell your nurse if you fall or are afraid you might fall.
True or False – If you suddenly cannot talk or move, you should wait and see if it gets better.
True or False – It’s important to eat healthy and stay active.
True or False – Holding things with both hands can help prevent drops and spills.
True or False – Essential tremor only affects the hands.
True or False – You should not tell your doctor if you feel sad or hopeless.
True or False – Shaking from essential tremor gets worse with movement.
True or False – If you fall and hit your head, it’s important to call 911 right away.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:
“Do you notice shaking in your hands, head, or voice, and does it get worse when you try to write, eat, or hold objects?”

Activity Impact / Safety:
“Do the tremors make it harder for you to do daily activities safely, like eating without spilling, walking while carrying items, or using tools?”

Treatment Adherence:
“Are you taking your prescribed medicines, such as propranolol or primidone, the way your doctor explained to help control the tremors?”

Preventive Measures:
“Are you avoiding things that can make tremors worse, like caffeine, stress, or lack of sleep?”