Dr. Joon Faii Ong is a qualified expert in the field of Tremor Disorders, including Essential Tremors and Parkinson’s related symptoms. Dr. Ong talks about tremor disorders, including how serious they can be if not treated immediately in this article. In addition, tremors disorders often lead to Parkinson’s Disease or other health issues such as Essential tremors, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dr. Ong talks about the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that everyone should look for at home and when consulting a doctor, such as muscle stiffness, muscle cramping, the rigidity of muscles, tremors, and shaking in the hands, arms, or legs.
He also provides tips for daily life during tremors, including medication or lifestyle changes to assist with symptoms if they are milder than what is experienced by people with Parkinson’s Disease.
What are tremors?
Tremors are uncontrolled movements of parts of the body, which may occur in the hands, arms, feet, or legs. When they affect the arms and legs, it is called rest tremor. When they affect only one hand, it is known as a ‘pill rolling’ tremor. There are other categories too – for example, it is called a ‘head tremor when they affect the head or eyes.’
Examples of tremors include Rest Tremor, in which the shaking occurs when one is in a relaxed state, for example, when holding an arm outstretched or with food at mouth level. This type of shaking often occurs in people with Parkinson’s disease. Task-specific Tremor, which occurs during a specific activity such as writing or drawing. The tremor usually stops when the activity is stopped. This type of tremor is commonly seen in Essential Tremors and persons who have a genetic predisposition towards developing tremors. Intention or postural Tremor is due to muscle contractions and occurs when one is trying to hold the body in a certain position. This type of tremor is commonly seen in people with Essential Tremors or Parkinsonism.
People who suffer tremors usually find it starts during certain activities such as writing, drawing, holding utensils, walking, or talking. It can be prevented if not treated. It may also be stopped by doing certain activities, such as holding one’s hands outstretched or taking a break from writing.
What causes tremors?
Many factors may cause tremors. Symptoms of tremor can result from a variety of medical conditions and diseases such as:
- Essential Tremor
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Drug-Induced Parkinsonism
- Brain Tumor
- Hyperthyroidism
- Side Effect of Cancer Treatment
- Lyme disease
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Injury
- Iron Deficiency
Tremors are most commonly seen in people with Parkinson’s Disease – it affects 1% of the population worldwide. Essential tremors generally occur without any associated diseases. Still, they can increase the risk of developing certain diseases such as Parkinson’s, especially if the tremors occur on one side of the body.
What are essential tremors?
Essential Tremor is a genetic neurological disorder with an uncontrollable trembling in hands and body parts due to a slight misfiring in part of the brain. It affects people of all ages, but the risk of developing tremors increases as one age.
