What is essential tremor?
Essential tremor is a neurological disorder characterised by involuntary shaking or trembling movements, typically affecting the hands. It is the most common movement disorder and tends to worsen with certain activities or when attempting precise movements.
Diagnosis
We will conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis. If your doctor suspects that you might have essential tremor, they will organise the following evaluations to confirm the diagnosis:
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Neurological assessment
- Medical imaging such as MRI may be used to assess brain structure or changes
Get referred
To receive a diagnosis or treatment from an Epworth specialist, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your GP and request a referral.
Treatment and management
Your Epworth care team will collaborate with you to plan the best approach to your treatment and symptom management.
While there is currently no cure for essential tremor, treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Your Epworth neurologist may suggest the following to help manage and reduce the impact of your symptoms:
Coordination and care
Your Epworth neurologist may arrange referrals to other specialists such as occupational therapists, psychologists or physiotherapists to address associated challenges.
Lifestyle modifications
To help avoid triggers that exacerbate tremors, your health care team may suggest increasing a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, sufficient rest and stress reduction techniques.
Medications
Your neurologist may prescribe medication to manage tremors.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation combines physical, functional and cognitive therapy with education and support to help you rebuild strength and function, restore independence and regain confidence to live your best life.
Depending on your individual needs, we have a range of specialised neurological rehabilitation programs and clinics to support movement disorders.
Ongoing monitoring
Your Epworth care team will arrange follow-up appointments to assess treatment effectiveness and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Our locations
For essential tremor
Treatment locations
Your care team at Epworth
The multidisciplinary team for essential tremor includes a specialist neurologist and allied health professionals, such as an occupational therapist and speech pathologist.
Learn more about the health professionals in the neurology care team.
Choosing your Epworth specialist
Meet our specialist neurologists and neurosurgeons, accredited at Epworth.