Involuntary, rhythmic movement or shaking is referred to as a tremor. A neurological disorder, essential tremors can occur anywhere in the human body, but most often affects the hands, arms, and fingers especially. Occasionally, even the tongue, neck, face, head, leg and trunk of the body are afflicted. Appearing initially in hand movements before spreading to the other parts, essential tremors are similar to Parkinson’s disease, but the two conditions are not the same.

Although the specific reason why essential tremors occur remains unknown, genetic mutation and exposure to toxins from consumption of meat and alcohol in excessive quantities seemingly are some of the major causes. There are not many signs that show up for essential tremors. But this condition can at first be recognized by the shaking of the hands while a person is eating, drinking or writing, or when the hands are extended during exercise or while doing chores. Essential tremors’ signs can also clearly be noticed when the affected person tries to work minutely with their hands as in the case of a tailor trying to thread a needle or a carpenter trying to mark a specific point with a nail. Essential tremors’ signs become severe when the person makes an effort to use the muscles that are affected. Also, fatigue, low blood sugar, and mental or physical stress can most certainly increase the seriousness of this neural condition.

The more severe the condition becomes, the more difficult will it be for the person affected by essential tremors. The person finds it difficult to perform daily tasks of combing their hair, feeding themselves, walking straight, and so on without help. Also, the balance and gait of the person are affected and this unsteadiness causes injuries or falls more frequently. Since this neurological condition is progressive in nature, affected individuals might require round the clock assistance and care. A movement disorder, essential tremors can affect anyone from a newborn to an old person. Although this condition cannot be cured, it certainly can be treated. Depending on the severity of the essential tremors’ signs, a basic reduction in the consumption of alcohol and caffeine is suggested, along with advice to get proper sleep/rest. Medication, deep brain simulation and occupational therapy are some of the other treatment methods followed in controlling essential tremors.