Hi, I am a very fit and young looking 61 yr old. I gym 3 times a week and walk four miles at least once a week. I have never had any major illness and don't take any drugs. I have been under a lot of stress from neighbours for the past few years having had several court cases, all of which we have won. However, the stress has been awful and although I have tried to combat it by excercise and keeping fit I am wondering if this sudden head tremor (no no) I am experiencing is caused by stress. It is very noticable and I am becoming very aware of it. I haven't seen my gp yet but intend to soon. Is this a common ailment?

Hi Jane!

I was sorry to hear of your problems. Head tremor can be a neuological condition. I suggest that you contact your GP for medical advice.

Hello everyone!

I have just been diagnosed with OT. My mother and maternal Aunt also have this tremor disorder. Does anyone know of a hospital that is doing genetic research on this disorder? Which hospital in the US is doing any current research on this? I am 49 years old, pretty healthy, diabetes since a teenager (under control), No major illnesses. I have been having problems with OT for 1 year and received the dx about 6 months ago. Tried Primadone with too many side effects. Need a support group in the Nashville, TN area.

Please help.

Thanks,

Judy

Hi Judy! Have you contacted the International Tremor Foundation www.essentialtremor.org in the USA at all? They should be able to point you in the right direction with regard a support group and hopefully tell you of any research studies which are being carried out in the states.

One of our members has emailed in and has asked if anyone has shared the same experience as him. Our member writes:

I am a 72 year old man and was born with ET. When I get a sore throat my voice goes husky, but loses its tremor. Also, I have tried taking Primidone, but have had to give it up because of side affects, i.e. I kept falling asleep (possibly my age) I also suffer from tinnitus and when I was taking Primidone this disappeared. Has anyone else experienced these things?

I am 55 yrs old and looking back I would say I have it since I was about 15. I always had difficulty taking notes at school as I could not write at speed and my hand would very quickly ache. Later it was a slight difficulty holding a glass of wine while standing at a party. And by the time I was 25/30, cutting my children's fingernails was always a challenge. But none of these things were severe enough for myself of my family to worry about.

As captain of a Badminton team, I always had difficulty controling my hand to fill out the result forms when the adrenalin was up having played a match .

Now, at 55, my tremor is worse. When brushing my teeth I have had to change hands as my jagged movements were becoming a danger to my teeth. I also have trouble with circular movements so now apply makeup and creams with my right hand (I'm left handed). Even stirring a pot, buttering toast, and particularly sewing on a button or manucuring my nails, is challenging but managable - except sewing maybe! Another difficulty is using a Mouse and accurately pointing the Cursor.

I recently attended a neurologist who prescribed a beta blocker. I have it now for about 2 weeks and still haven't taken it - worried about side affects.

I also have a condition called Hereditary Angio Edema Type 2, which is a C1 Deficiency. My consultant told me that she had another patient with ET who also has HAE. Does anyone else have this conbination?

Looking for support group in the Nashville TN area. Thanks

Hi, I have had this 'condition' since my early teens. It has had a lasting impact on my life - not helped by the prescription of ativan and the consequences of addiction and coming off - all because of the embarrassing tremor!
Curiously, did consult Professor Findlay way back at Queens Square, London in 1993/94.
Gone through the avoidance routines, carrying drinks for others, and 'chip & pin' is a godsend after signing cheques!
Currently - now in my late fifties, I am not on any medication, apart from the occasional Bach Rescue which reduces 'stress'. Yet, it restricts me - afraid others will see the tremor - and wonder why, and find 'eye-contact' difficult in case my head starts shaking!

Would be especially interested if there are any members in the Cardiff area? I moved here - to join Paul who has a more minor tremor, about six years ago, after living in Herts.