Essential Tremor
Though it is often mistaken for Parkinson’s Disease, Essential Tremor (ET) is a neurological condition that is eight times more common, affecting an estimated 10 million Americans. Essential Tremor (ET) most commonly causes shaking of the hands, head and voice, but can also cause shaking in the legs and trunk.
The primary symptoms associated with ET include:
- Tremor or uncontrollable shaking, usually on one side of the body that worsens during periods of emotional stress and purposeful movement
- Hand tremor, affecting one hand or both
- Shaking voice tremor
- Head tremor
Treatment Options:
OCMC is pleased to be on the forefront of offering ground-breaking treatments for essential tremor.
- MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS): A minimally invasive procedure to alleviate tremor associated with Essential Tremor and Tremor-Dominant Parkinson’s disease. MRgFUS uses ultrasound waves to create a small lesion in the thalamus to interrupt irregular electrical signals that cause hand tremors. During the procedure, an MRI is used to obtain detailed images of the brain anatomy to guide and control the treatment, allowing the neurosurgeon to pinpoint, direct and continuously monitor the treatment area while not affecting the surrounding healthy tissue of the brain. Results are immediate and research shows results last for at least 5 years.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Uses implanted electrodes controlled by a neurostimulator to block abnormal nerve signals that are causing essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Before the electrodes are placed, an MRI and CT scan are performed to pinpoint the precise area of the brain for treatment. Once placed, the electrodes can be individually adjusted to control essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
