Guide To Essential Tremor Treatment

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation is a treatment method used for a wide range of disorders that affect an individual's movement, including essential tremor. The thalamus is a structure seated deep inside of an individual's brain that coordinates and dictates muscle activity. Deep brain stimulation is a way to deactivate the abnormalities in a patient's thalamus that produce their essential tremor. This treatment involves a surgical procedure where specialized electrodes are installed in the thalamus. These electrodes are attached with wires to a type of pacemaker or impulse generator installed just under the skin of an individual's chest. When this device is operational, it transmits painless and continuous electrical impulses to the thalamus that counteract the impulses responsible for the tremors. The outcome is said to be just as effective as thalamotomy, which is a surgery that actually involves destroying parts of the brain. The electrodes will need replacement every three to five years.

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Occupational Therapy

An individual affected by essential tremor may choose to have occupational therapy as a part of their treatment. An occupational therapist who specializes in neurological conditions can assist essential tremor patients with learning how to complete tasks differently and look at the way things work positively. An occupational therapist can make suggestions about completing a task differently than the normal way. An individual with essential tremor may need to stabilize the object they are using in the task by using mounting tools, non-slick surfaces, and suction cups. They can also decrease the demands of fine-motor skills by sitting instead of standing, taking frequent rest breaks, and sliding objects instead of picking them up and moving them. Other helpful tips an occupational therapist can offer include using plate guards, covered glasses and mugs, eating finger foods, using electric can openers and mixers, adaptive keyboards, and electric toothbrushes.

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