How Do You Manage Essential Tremor In Children?
Essential Tremor is a neurological condition characterized by rhythmic shaking of the extremities and neck. It sometimes affects the voice. There is no definitive cause for ET, but may be familial or trauma-related – the name, “essential”, means it is of unknown origin. It can appear at any age, even in early childhood, but usually becomes noticeable with age. Its symptoms may resemble some forms of Parkinson’s Disease, but the two are not related. There is also no cure for Essential Tremor, but it can be managed with medication, physical therapy and/or surgery. The following suggestions are written from my experiences growing up with Essential Tremor. ET is often referred to as Benign Essential Tremor. That is probably not a useful description because when it appears in childhood. It can lead to social difficulties. A child who cannot hold a pencil steady may incur the wrath of insensitive teachers or the ridicule and ostracism of classmates. Self-esteem problems will follow. It is im
