Overview Of The Causes And Complications Of Essential Tremor

Issues With Holding Objects

Issues with holding objects are common among patients who have essential tremor in the muscles of their hands or arms. Episodes of periodic uncontrollable shaking occur in the hands. They are most prevalent when the affected individual is trying to hold something or use their muscles to perform a task. Attempting to produce a targeted movement with the hands when holding an object can trigger essential tremor symptoms. As this complication becomes more severe over time, it can interfere with the patient's ability to perform daily tasks and take basic care of themselves. The patient may begin to neglect their dental health because brushing their teeth and flossing becomes too difficult to carry out.

An individual may choose to wear clothing that does not have any button or fastening mechanism because securing these components becomes too hard. In addition, a patient's caloric intake may begin to suffer because holding and using utensils becomes challenging. An affected individual may also avoid tasks involving handwriting. The reason is that it often gets harder to hold and manipulate a pen or pencil.

Stress And Anxiety

Stress and anxiety share close connections to essential tremor. In most cases, essential tremor will cause patients significant stress and anxiety about controlling their symptoms. This is what will often classify them as a complication. Essential tremor can be quite frustrating, especially if patients have not found the right treatment for their needs. However, in other instances, stress and anxiety can be a cause of essential tremor. This does not apply to temporary stress from a particular event. It is chronic stress and anxiety that can sometimes result in an individual developing essential tremor. They will often worsen a patient's condition as well.