Annoying Tremor

[Ron Marie Douglas]

Hey Doc,

I was diagnosed about a decade ago with something like Essential Tremor. Basically, my hands shake for no reason. Not terrible but I notice it and it makes me a little self conscious, especially in work situations. They are always shaking a little and it has nothing to do with caffeine, booze, or drugs. I remember the doc prescribed me some meds to try that didn't do anything. I've paid little attention to this until recently as it has has become somewhat embarrassing.

Is there anything I can do?

[lleeder]

play craps

[CHUCKWAGONCOOK]

Get a job at a butter factory.

[Reynolds]

Hey Doc,

I was diagnosed about a decade ago with something like Essential Tremor. Basically, my hands shake for no reason. Not terrible but I notice it and it makes me a little self conscious, especially in work situations. They are always shaking a little and it has nothing to do with caffeine, booze, or drugs. I remember the doc prescribed me some meds to try that didn't do anything. I've paid little attention to this until recently as it has has become somewhat embarrassing.

Is there anything I can do?

I have the same problem, everyone always thinks I'm either nervous or on coke.

[Dr Steve]

Hey Doc,

I was diagnosed about a decade ago with something like Essential Tremor. Basically, my hands shake for no reason. Not terrible but I notice it and it makes me a little self conscious, especially in work situations. They are always shaking a little and it has nothing to do with caffeine, booze, or drugs. I remember the doc prescribed me some meds to try that didn't do anything. I've paid little attention to this until recently as it has has become somewhat embarrassing.

Is there anything I can do?

Essential tremor is a pain in the ass, but unless it keeps you from eating, it's not life-threatening.

It can progress to getting worse, or to other parts of the body...if it affects the voice it really stinks (Katherine Hepburn had it...).

No one knows what causes it, and treatment for it can be pretty frustrating. Medications commonly prescribed include benzodiazepines (habit forming, and cause sleepiness), mysoline (an antiepileptic drug, old school), propranolol (a beta blocker...can cause impotence), alcohol (habit forming, makes you do stupid things), and gabapentin (Neurontin, an anticonvulsant that's pretty well tolerated).

Your best bet is to see a neurologist and tell them it's starting to bug you and let them try a thing or two. they may have some more recent ideas than these, too.

let me know if anything helps!


your pal,



steve

PS: call this (and any other questions, for the rest of you) to 423 343 8884 if you have time...we're doing a 3 hour show this week and need lots of voicemail questions!