WRITTEN BY: Tammy C. Perez, M.A., NCC, LCDC, LPC
REVIEWED BY: Dr. Terry Schroeder on April 18, 2023
Tremors
What are Tremors?
Tremors are involuntary, rhythmic, and repetitive movements of a body part. They can affect multiple body structures, including the hands, arms, head, face, vocal cords, and legs. They are classified into two main categories, resting and action tremors. Resting tremors occur when the affected body part is in a relaxed state. Action tremors occur when the affected part is in motion.
Tremors can fluctuate in severity and significantly affect daily functioning. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause, including medications, surgery, lifestyle changes, or therapy.
What causes Tremors?
Various factors can contribute to the development of tremors, including neurological disorders, medication side effects, alcohol withdrawal, stress, anxiety, and certain medical conditions.
Neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, essential tremor, and dystonia, may produce tremor effects. Medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and asthma treatments, can also contribute to the condition.
Alcohol withdrawal, known as delirium tremens, is known to cause tremors and can be severe and life-threatening. Temporary tremors from stress and anxiety usually subside when treating the underlying cause. Other medical conditions that can also cause tremors are hyperthyroidism, liver failure, and certain genetic disorders.
What are the symptoms of Tremors?
Tremor symptoms can vary depending on their underlying cause. Common symptoms experienced are shaking or trembling of a body part, difficulty performing fine motor tasks, coordination problems, fatigue, muscle weakness, emotional distress, and social isolation. Other conditions include intention, resting, and essential tremors.
Intention tremors occur during a purposeful movement, such as reaching for an object or writing. Resting tremors develop when the affected body part is relaxed and are usually associated with Parkinson's disease. Essential tremors are most noticeable when the body part is in use or under stress but can occasionally appear at rest.
How are Tremors treated?
Treatment for tremors depends on the underlying cause and their severity. Standard treatment options include medications, occupational therapy, deep brain stimulation, surgery, and lifestyle changes.
Medications such as beta-blockers, antiseizure drugs, and tranquilizers can help reduce tremors. Occupational therapy provides techniques that improve the ability to perform daily activities. Deep brain stimulation, or DBS, involves implanting electrodes in the brain. These devices deliver electrical impulses that help decrease tremor occurrence. This method is used for severe conditions that do not respond to medications.
Surgery is needed in some instances to treat tremors effectively. For example, thalamotomy eliminates a small part of the thalamus in the brain to reduce tremors. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine intake, avoiding stress, and getting enough sleep, also help to reduce tremors.
How do Tremors affect brain wellness?
Chronic or severe tremors can have a significant impact on brain wellness. These disorders can dramatically interfere with daily activities, such as eating, writing, and dressing. They can also make performing essential motor functions difficult. These complications can lead to frustration, decreased confidence, and reduced independence, negatively impacting mental health.
In addition, chronic tremors can cause fatigue and muscle weakness, which reduces energy levels and makes participation in physical activities challenging. Research also suggests chronic tremors may lead to brain structure and function changes over extended periods. For example, studies show people with essential tremors have a decrease in volume in specific brain regions compared to people without the disorder.
How can Brain Frequency™ help?
The Brain Frequency™ AI system is an innovative therapeutic approach to improving brain health and wellness. We use proprietary science-based technology to promote optimal brain functioning across mental, emotional, physical, and social domains. Our diagnostic technology and individualized treatment protocols help decrease or eliminate trauma-related symptoms and various mental health disorders.
The Brain Frequency™ 3 Step Treatment Process consists of; first, performing a Baseline EEG and completing Psychometric Assessments; second, conducting a Brain Frequency Consultation; and third, Initiating Treatment.
An Electroencephalogram (EEG) analyzes brain waves and produces a brain map identifying current and optimal frequencies in 19 areas of the brain. Based on the individualized brain map, Brain Frequency™ will determine possible diagnoses of various mental health disorders or brain trauma for the provider to consider during treatment. Brain Frequency™ AI software provides clinicians with an "Approval Ready" treatment plan using personalized protocols based on each patient's needs.
Those suffering from symptoms caused by tremors can efficiently and effectively improve their brain health and wellness by using the Brain Frequency™ AI system. Our innovative system drastically reduces the time needed to properly diagnose and construct treatment plans leading to a faster recovery and greater quality of life.
RESOURCES
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA): https://www.hrsa.gov/
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/
American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/
National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/
National Suicide Prevention Line: https://988lifeline.org/
National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/