Treating Essential Tremor

Essential tremor can prevent you from doing everyday tasks – like eating or drinking a glass of water – not to mention activities you enjoy. Providence offers the most advanced treatments for essential tremor, some of which can have life-changing results.

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Why Choose Us for Your Essential Tremor Care?

At Providence, we understand there are many ways an essential tremor can limit you and make your life smaller. Each year we give hope and compassionate care to thousands of patients seeking treatment for this condition. Here’s how:

Doctor speaking with patient

The most common cause of tremor is essential tremor, which causes rhythmic shaking, usually in the hands. Some medications and Parkinson’s disease also can cause tremors. With so many potential causes and varying treatments, it’s critical to get the right diagnosis and receive effective care. At Providence, our team uses the most advanced tests to diagnose your tremor and get a complete and accurate picture of your condition.

We nurture a long-term relationship with you to manage your treatment and symptoms. We understand that essential tremor can be an emotional strain, so we help take care of your mind and spirit as well. This may include counseling services and support groups, so you can connect with fellow patients and share your experience.

Your team may include neurologists, fellowship-trained specialists in movement disorders and neurosurgeons. They coordinate with other experts, such as physical and occupational therapists and rehabilitation nurses. Your care team works with you to create the best plan to treat your essential tremor and manage your symptoms.

At Providence, we are committed to providing access to the best care for everyone in our diverse community, including our patients with essential tremor. We respect and support the racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual and spiritual identities of each of our patients. We offer location-specific English translation services, telehealth appointments and help with transportation. In keeping with our Mission, Providence also offers financial assistance programs that provide free and low-cost care to those who are eligible.

As our patient, you benefit from one of the largest networks of neuroscience clinicians in the country. This collaborative system includes award-winning physicians, scientists, researchers and caregivers across 51 hospitals in seven states. Our network also gives you the opportunity to participate in essential tremor clinical trials. This access is one of the reasons we care for patients with essential tremor through more than 7,000 visits each year.

How Our Doctors Are Making a Difference

Bill Bezanson had focused ultrasound treatment at Providence to stop the essential tremor that was taking over his life. Thanks to the procedure, Bill says he “feels human again.”

Patient Stories

When Barb Kerr’s essential tremor became so severe that she couldn’t put on makeup or tie her shoes, let alone drive, her doctors at Providence suggested deep brain stimulation (DBS). The procedure was a success. Today, Barb is happy to be back behind the wheel. Read Barb Kerr's story

Barb Kerr
Providence Patient

More About Essential Tremor

Essential tremor refers to uncontrollable shaking or trembling. It can occur anywhere in the body, but most often occurs in the hands or arms. Essential tremor usually progresses slowly over time. As it worsens, it can make everyday activities – such as drinking a cup of coffee or writing a check – difficult, if not impossible.

Types of tremor include:

  • Cerebellar tremor
  • Essential tremor
  • Essential tremor plus
  • Parkinsonian tremor
  • Medication-induced tremor

Testing and Diagnostics

Male doctor and patient appointment

Your neurological team will use the most advanced methods to diagnose an essential tremor. These may include one or more of the following:

  • Blood test
  • DaTscan
  • Medical history
  • MRI
  • Physical examination

Personalized Treatment for Essential Tremor

No two patients are the same. This is why your care team works with you to create a treatment plan based specifically on the cause and type of your tremor. Treatment may include one or more of the following therapies:

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Meet the Team

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.

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