Essential Tremor Query

[StoneH]

I have a slight essential tremor in my fretting hand. My internet search turned up invasive, non-invasive, and "See a doctor if your hand trembles for more than 4 hours" therapies.

Has anyone addressed this problem?

Thanks!

 

[uriah1]

Head tremors. Hope not parkinson, but, oh well.

 

[teletail]

My mother has it. Medical marijuana helps. There’s an operation if it gets too disruptive.

 

[Digital Larry]

Almost certainly going to get these. My dad had it pretty bad. He was prescribed some medication for it but didn't like taking it.

This is one reason I think I may be concentrating on lap steel more in the future. Keeping the left hand wiggling is what makes that thing sing!

 

[Tone Quest]

Been dealing with essential tremor for 4 years. Saw a neurologist for it. He put me on primidone. It works. My shaking hands are a good 90% better. I play my Strat and do other hobbies. I'll be honest, sometimes my hands still shake, but not the frequency or severity they used to. Life is very, very manageable.

 

[Ronzo]

Been dealing with essential tremor for 4 years. Saw a neurologist for it. He put me on primidone. It works. My shaking hands are a good 90% better. I play my Strat and do other hobbies. I'll be honest, sometimes my hands still shake, but not the frequency or severity they used to. Life is very, very manageable.

I’ve done the same. Been coping with benign essential tremor for about 8 years. My neurologist recommended Primidone, and it has helped significantly.

Primidone is metabolized into 2 components; one is the component that affects the brain area appropriate to the tremor, and the second component is Phenobarbital, a sedative and Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant. I take it at bedtime. I also reduced my alcohol intake to virtually nothing. YMMV.

 

[StoneH]

Been dealing with essential tremor for 4 years. Saw a neurologist for it. He put me on primidone. It works. My shaking hands are a good 90% better. I play my Strat and do other hobbies. I'll be honest, sometimes my hands still shake, but not the frequency or severity they used to. Life is very, very manageable.

Thanks. I'll look up primidone.

I found an electrical device and requested more information. It's probably expensive, but covered by insurance. $100 for a 60 day trial.

Essential Tremor Bracelet - Wrist Device for Tremors - Cala Trio

A new personalized therapy for essential tremor that fits with the flow of your life. The first non-invasive targeted therapy for hand tremor.

calatrio.com

 

[Peegoo]

I have a slight essential tremor in my fretting hand. My internet search turned up invasive, non-invasive, and "See a doctor if your hand trembles for more than 4 hours" therapies.

Has anyone addressed this problem?

Thanks!

See a specialist to first rule out other things and get a definitive diagnosis. If it's something that is treatable, the sooner you get treatment, the more slowly the condition will advance.

This isn't something simple like how to remove a splinter.

 

[StoneH]

See a specialist to first rule out other things and get a definitive diagnosis. If it's something that is treatable, the sooner you get treatment, the more slowly the condition will advance.

This isn't something simple like how to remove a splinter.

My doctor just retired (Parkinson's, ironically), so it will be a while before I get a diagnosis.

Certain chord shapes just make my hand tremble, not horribly, but it's noticeable.

<Edit> Sometimes it's bad enough to bug me, but not bad enough to ruin my playing.

 

['64 Tele]

Many times, a beta blocker (commonly used for heart rate or increased BP) will be used for essential tremor.
Most have little/no side effects.
I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but did practice pharmacy for 41 years before retiring recently.

 

[Tone Quest]

My doctor just retired (Parkinson's, ironically), so it will be awhile before I get a diagnosis.

Certain chord shapes just make my hand tremble, not badly, but it's noticeable.

Get a referral for a neurologist from your primary care office. That's what I did. My life is much better for it.

 

[StoneH]

Many times, a beta blocker (commonly used for heart rate or increased BP) will be used for essential tremor.
Most have little/no side effects.
I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but did practice pharmacy for 41 years before retiring recently.

I've been on Metoprolol for 8 years and I can't increase the dosage. Any insight on the Primidone?

 

[oldunc]

I solved it by giving up smoking and drinking and cutting back coffee to a couple of cups a day (none of which I did because of hand tremors). Also did a major campaign to lighten my touch on the guitar. Getting into my 70s now, and there are some signs that it may be coming back

 

[chris m.]

At 59 I've noticed my right hand seems to have a tremor sometimes. If I consciously relax I can make it go away. I'm hoping that it stays under control for a long time, but from this thread I'm glad to hear that there are options if it starts to get worse.

 

[StoneH]

Almost certainly going to get these. My dad had it pretty bad. He was prescribed some medication for it but didn't like taking it.

This is one reason I think I may be concentrating on lap steel more in the future. Keeping the left hand wiggling is what makes that thing sing!

Built in vibrato/tremolo . . . the glass is half full.

 

['64 Tele]

I've been on Metoprolol for 8 years and I can't increase the dosage. Any insight on the Primidone?

Propranolol (inderal) is most commonly used beta blocker for this.
I'd discuss trying a different beta blocker before a different class of drug.
Primidone is a pro-drug for phenobarbital (your body metabolized primidone to phenobarbital).
Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that causes drowsiness (common side effect) and is habit forming (after a period of time if you stopped taking it, you would have to taper off it to avoid withdrawal).
I've never seen primidone used for tremors, but drugs can be prescribed for off label use (until recently with ivermectin off label prescribing).

hope this helps

 

[boxocrap]

I have a slight essential tremor in my fretting hand. My internet search turned up invasive, non-invasive, and "See a doctor if your hand trembles for more than 4 hours" therapies.

Has anyone addressed this problem?

Thanks!

yes i have...but..it may not be legal in your state

 

[StoneH]

yes i have...but..it may not be legal in your state

Legal, and I just renewed my CCL.

 

[boxocrap]

Legal, and I just renewed my CCL.

ya legal here too..it worked for me your mileage may vary..if your problem persists please see a doctor

 

[Uncle Daddy]

Fava beans?

AYURVEDIC LEVODOPA SEQUEL “A FAVA BEAN STORY AND RECIPE”

I have had Parkinson’s for twelve years and began taking Carbidopa-Levodopa (Sinemet) as well as Ropinirole (Requip) with little success in quieting my resting

www.parkinsonsresource.org