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The source of this article is CourierPost Online: http://tinyurl.com/6gsge Tremors may not indicate Parkinson's disease Monday, July 26, 2004 Q. At times, I have tremors in my hand that are so bad I can't write. Is this a sign of Parkinson's disease? A. Tremors of the arms, hands or head are often a natural a part of aging, called essential tremor. Individuals with essential tremor often mistake their symptoms for a sign of something worse, such as Parkinson's disease, even though essential tremor is 20 times more common than Parkinson's. No one knows what causes essential tremor or why some individuals develop this condition while others don't. Although essential tremor is considered a slowly progressive disorder, many individuals will notice little change throughout life. The initial symptoms of essential tremor often involve the head, but may be very slight and almost unnoticeable. The first noticeable symptom usually occurs in the hands and may come and go, subsiding when the hands are at rest and becoming worse with focused activities such as writing, putting on makeup or drinking liquids. Anxiety and social embarrassment can also make the tremors more severe. Tremors caused by Parkinson's disease are distinct from essential tremor in several ways. Unlike essential tremor, Parkinsonian tremors occur even when resting and sometimes stop when performing a deliberate action. After first appearing in one hand, Parkinsonian tremors gradually spread to both sides of the body. Although Parkinsonian tremors can ultimately affect the tongue and lips, they rarely cause the entire head to shake. Unlike essential tremor, we know what causes Parkinsonian tremors. Parkinsonian tremors occur because the brain lacks adequate amounts of dopamine, a chemical that helps the brain control movement. Treatment for essential tremor depends largely on the effect the tremors are having on the individual. Usually, individuals with essential tremor will not require any treatment unless the tremors are causing a significant problem with daily activities. In those cases, a physician can prescribe medications that will help control the tremors. These medications can cause side effects, including sleepiness or dizziness. As with any other chronic condition, it's important for you to be an active partner in your own wellness when you have essential tremor. Avoid caffeine because it can cause your body to produce more adrenaline, which can worsen tremors. Be aware of how uncontrolled tremors could lead to personal injury such as when shaving or when handling hot liquids while cooking. Remember to report any change in your symptoms, for example, activities that cause tremors to intensify or times of day when tremors decrease, to your physician. Also, keep your physician informed of any side effects you notice or of any over-the-counter medications or supplements you are taking. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Anita Chopra is the director of the Center for Aging at the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford. If you have a health question for a future column call the UMDNJ News Service at (856) 566-6171 or e-mail to [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn