The most common postural tremor in children is called an Essential Tremor, or BenignTremor. It may occur at any age, but it is more common in the second and sixth decades of life. About half of patients with essential tremor have a family history of this type of tremor. Fortunately, an Essential Tremor is treatable and seldom a sign of a serious Write it Right
Tremor is an involuntary shake that affects
about 4 million Americans. The most common tremor involves the hands. But it
can also affect the head, face, or voice.
Tremor in children is usually benign and although it is not life-threatening, it can
• Cocaine or alcohol exposure during the
• Cerebral Palsy• Traumatic Brain Injuries• Cerebellar disease• Peripheral Neuropathy
Types of Tremor
• Thyroid Disease• Parkinson's disease• Alcoholism
example, when the hands are lying on the table.
• Postural tremor occurs when Can a tremor be normal?
• Intention or Kinetic tremor
Everyone has a normal or physiologic tremor. A
physiologic tremor is very mild and often cannot
be detected except by a doctor. Anxiety,
caffeine, fatigue, or medications may worsen a physiologic tremor. The tremor may worsen when you engage in mental tasks (like studying or
• Task specific tremor occurs
playing video games) or if you move another part
of the body, such as clenching a fist or tapping a
Provokers Medications
Before treating a tremor, a thorough evaluation
including a history and a physical exam is done.
Thyroid tests, MRI, EMG, or an ophthalmology
• Cold medicines like Actifed or Sudafed
consultation may be requested. Medication
should be used only when a tremor interferes
with a patient's ability to function. If a medication
is causing the tremor, the best treatment is to
• Neuroleptics like Risperdal, or Haldol
change or stop that medicine if possible. A
• Other medicines like Tegretol, Depakote,
common side effect with medications used to
treat tremor is drowsiness. Treatments include:
• Foods like caffeine or chocolate• Low blood sugar from skipping meals
• Inderal (propranolol), a blood pressure
medicine, and Mysoline (primidone) are the medications of choice. • Baclofen and Zanaflex are muscle • Neurontin is a seizure medicine. • Klonopin is used for postural tremors. • Artane or Cogentin can help especially • Diamox, a diuretic, has helped some. • Botox is an injected medicine that has
• Brain surgery has helped many patients
School Help
For school children, an IEP (Individual Education Plan) can be written. This may include:
• Decrease the amount of written work. • Use multiple choice or circle the answer
Check it out
• Do not grade them on their penmanship. International Tremor Foundation
• Use a tape recorder to take notes.
• Allow oral rather than written reports.
• Have them dictate their reports to a
"secretary" (a parent or a friend) who can write down their thoughts for them.
• An Occupational Therapist helps develop
strategies for writing, eating, or dressing.
Written by Don Eastmead, M.D. & edited by Drew Eastmead June 2004
Prostate Enlargement BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA The Prostate Gland The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male productive system. The gland is made of two lobes, or regions, enclosed by an outer layer of tissue. As the diagrams show, the prostate is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surroun
You should mind the fol owing issues, when measuring your blood pressureTake place at a table and rest for about 3-5 minutes before starting the measurement. Normal y the blood pressure on your left arm is higher than on your right arm, therefore take the measurement on your right arm. If the blood pressure on your right arm is higher, take the measurement there. Do not speak during the measure
The most common postural tremor in children is 
Provokers