Et is a neurological condition that causes shaking of the hands, head, and voice

ET is a neurological condition that  causes shaking 

of the hands, head, and voice.

•  ET can also cause legs and trunk to shake, and

some people have a feeling of internal tremor.

•  An estimated 10 million Americans have ET.

•  Although there are many possible causes of tremor,

ET is  the most common. Still, misdiagnosis of tremor

is a problem. According to the Canadian Journal of 

Neuroscience, general neurologists treating tremor

have a diagnostic error rate of 25% to 35%.

•  ET is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s

disease, yet according to the National Institute

of  Neurological Disorders and Stroke, eight times

as many people have ET as have Parkinson’s.

•  ET is not confined to the elderly. Children and

middle-aged people can also develop ET. In fact,

newborns have been diagnosed with the condition.

•  There is evidence that ET is genetic. Each child of

a parent who has ET has a 50% chance of inheriting

a gene that causes the condition. However,

sometimes people with no family history of tremor

develop ET.

•  Few effective prescription medications are available

for treating ET. Unfortunately, it is estimated that

less than 60% of people with ET are helped by

these medications.

•  Researchers estimate that 4% to 5% of people age

40 to 60 have ET. The incidence rate for people age

60 and older is estimated at 6.3% to 9%.

•  People who have ET become disabled at worst and

feel frustrated or embarrassed at best.

•  Quality of life is a big issue for people with ET.

Daily  activities such as feeding, drinking, grooming

and writing become difficult if not impossible.

•  Many people with ET are too embarrassed to go out

in public and remain isolated in their homes, which

can lead to depression.

Essential Tremor (ET) 

Diagnosing ET -

While there are no medical tests for ET, a movement disorder specialist can make a diagnosis.

The doctor will conduct a neurological examination and evaluate symptoms in order to rule out other potential causes

of tremor. To learn more review our “Patient Handbook”.

When your child has ET -

If you believe your child has ET, he/she should be examined by a pediatric movement

disorder specialist. To learn more about children and ET, order the IETF’s free guide for parents and teachers “Children

with Essential Tremor: A guide for parents and other caring adults”.

Coping with ET -

Order the IETF’s free flyer “Essential Tremor Coping Tips”. Join an ET support group in your

community. Stay connected with the latest information about ET by becoming a member of the IETF.

Call the IETF (toll free) at 888.387.3667 to request more information or visit our website, www.essentialtremor.org.

Copyright 2012 IETF

Facts about Essential Tremor

 

©2007 IETF

 

 

Our Mission:

The IETF funds research to find the cause of essential tremor (ET)

that leads to treatments and a cure, increases awareness, and

provides educational materials, tools, and support for healthcare

providers, the public, and those affected by ET.

International Essential Tremor Foundation | PO Box 14005 | Lenexa, Kansas 66285-4005 | USA 

888.387.3667 (toll free) | 913.341.3880 (local) | EssentialTremor.org (website) | TremorTalk.org (blog)

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