08 May What Is a Tremor and How Is It Treated?
What Is Tremor, and How Is It Treated?
“What is tremor?” is a common question among the elderly and their family members. It is an important condition to understand because it can greatly affect the lives of you and the people you love.
What is tremor?
It involves the involuntary movement of muscles. It’s an unintentional oscillation of to-and-fro movements that can affect different areas of the body. Although tremor can affect the head, face, voice, trunk, and legs, it is most commonly experienced in the hands.
Tremor can occur for a variety of reasons. It can be a symptom of a neurological disorder, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury.
Certain drugs can also cause tremor. Amphetamines and some psychiatric medications can cause tremor, as can alcohol abuse and mercury poisoning.
Sometimes, a medical condition can be the culprit. People who have an overactive thyroid or liver failure can suffer from tremors. Some healthy people also have tremors, especially if it runs in the family. Fortunately, it isn’t dangerous, but it can be inconvenient and embarrassing.
Is there a treatment to reduce or eliminate tremor?
After asking, “what is tremor?” the next logical question is whether anything can be done to reduce or eliminate tremors.
Treatment depends on the cause of the tremor, so a proper diagnosis is important. For example, if the underlying condition is addressed, the tremor may disappear.
In other cases, the tremor can only be reduced. For example, some drugs can be used to lessen the tremors associated with Parkinson’s.
Physical therapy, psychotherapy, and surgical interventions may also be an option, depending on the cause of the tremor.
If you or someone you love is living with a challenging medical conditions, such as tremors, Life & Health Care can help. Contact us today to learn more about how private home health care services can make it more comfortable for your loved one to live in their home.