I have been aware of "familial" or [now] essential tremor since I was
about 16 years old.

When I was diagnosed with low pressure glaucoma several years back and
started on propanolol (Timoptic), I discovered that my tremor was
substantially reduced.  When some riflemen were tossed out of th winter
olympics for the use of propanolol to steady their arms, I really made the
connection.

I think it is common to use propanolol for essential tremor when it is not
contra-indicated.

There is an Essential Tremor Foundation, but in preparing to move I doubt
if I could find the address.  Could someone supply it to the list?

Miriam L. Denham cg for Dale, 74, dx 1988
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On Sun, 9 Feb 1997, Bob & Joy Graham wrote:

> >Is the difference between PD and essential tremor easily
> >diagnosed?  What are the more obvious differences?
>
> Many references indicate that alcohol consumption can reduce the tremor of
> essential tremor (for a short time), but not the tremor of PD (except
> allowing for the reduction in stress= less tremor).
>
> Hey, is it worth everyone having a try?
>
> The tremor of PD is typically a resting tremor, but the tremor of essential
> tremor is an action tremor.  I think the distinction frequently gets
> blurred with the advance of the disease. Also essential tremor involves the
> head and the voice (this is rare in PD).
>
> >What is likely to happen if my Mom does have PD and
> >stays off the meds?
>
> This won't make the disease advance any faster but her symptoms may seem
> worse if she was getting some improvement from the meds.
>
> >What treatements are there for essential tremor and
> >how effective are they?
>
> The drug propranolol is commonly used to treat essential tremor.
>
> Note: This drug is used to treat the irregularity of the pulse and to a
> lesser extent to control high blood pressure. It may also be used to
> protect the heart from the possibility of levodopa causing palpitations  or
> episodes of abnormal heart rhythm... must be used with care, not recommened
> for those with asthma or heart failure as it may worsen these condtions.
>
> metoprolol (Lopressor) is closely related to propanolol , used ,mostly for
> high BP , is not as effective as propanolol against tremor, but has less
> risk of worsening asthma.
> Source:  Parkinson's Disease: A Guide for Patient and Family, (Second ed.)
> Dr Roger Duvoisin, Raven Press 1984
>