Join myself, Erika Ganong, V.P. of the National Parkinson’s Institute, and her father, Ray Ganong, a professional trainer, as we talk about growing up and living with Essential Tremor (ET). ET is a neurological movement disorder that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking, most commonly in the hands. However, it can also affect the head, voice, legs, or other parts of the body. Essential Tremor is thought to involve abnormal communication between certain areas of the brain, including the cerebellum, thalamus, and brainstem. Unlike Parkinson’s disease, ET is not caused by dopamine loss and doesn’t typically lead to other neurological problems.
Essential Tremor typically causes shaking during movement, such as writing, eating, or lifting a glass, rather than while at rest. The condition often runs in families, with about 50% of individuals having a parent who also has ET. While the tremors can worsen over time, many people experience only mild symptoms. Interestingly, symptoms may temporarily improve with alcohol, though this is not considered a recommended treatment. ET most commonly begins in mid-to-late adulthood, but it can develop at any age. You can read more about Essential Tremor here.
