 |
 |
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 [log in to unmask] 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 >