Benign essential tremors, also known as essential tremor, are uncontrollable rhythmic movements or shaking that primarily affect the hands, although they can also involve the head, voice, legs, or other body parts. These tremors are considered benign because they are not usually associated with an underlying serious neurological condition.
The exact cause of benign essential tremors is unknown, but they are believed to result from abnormal electrical activity in certain areas of the brain, particularly the thalamus. It is thought that these tremors may be inherited in some cases, as they tend to run in families.
The characteristic feature of benign essential tremors is a postural or action tremor, meaning that the shaking worsens with voluntary movements and is often improved or absent at rest. The tremors may be exacerbated by stress, fatigue, caffeine, or certain medications. Unlike other types of tremors, benign essential tremors typically do not cause other symptoms or impair the individual's ability to perform daily activities.
While there is no cure for benign essential tremors, treatment options aim to reduce and manage the severity of the tremors. Medications such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, or tranquilizers may be prescribed to help control the tremors. In some cases, deep brain stimulation, a surgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in the brain, may be considered for individuals whose tremors are resistant to medication.
Overall, benign essential tremors are a common and relatively innocuous neurological condition characterized by involuntary shaking, typically in the hands, that worsens with movement but does not lead to other significant neurological problems or impairments.
