As a specialist for tremors, I help patients manage shaky hands, head, or voice using accurate diagnosis, oral medicines, and Botulinum Toxin therapy. If your hands shake while writing, eating, or using tools, you might have essential tremors, not Parkinson’s. Learn how to get the right diagnosis and treatment from a Tremor Specialist in Ahmedabad.
Hello, I’m Dr. Mitesh Chandaran
I’m a Neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist. Many people visit me saying, “Doctor, my hands are shaking, but I don’t know why.” Most of them think it’s Parkinson’s disease but often, it turns out to be essential tremors.
Essential tremor (ET) is not dangerous, but it can seriously affect your daily life. With proper treatment, I help you control the shaking and feel more confident again.
What is Essential Tremor?
Essential tremor is a common neurological condition that causes shaking movements, especially during activities like:
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- Holding a glass
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- Eating with a spoon
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- Writing or signing
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- Holding a mobile or tools
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- Applying makeup or shaving
The tremors usually affect the hands, but can also involve:
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- Head (nodding or shaking)
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- Voice (shaky or quivering speech)
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- Jaw, legs, or trunk (rarely)
It is not the same as Parkinson’s. ET is more visible during action, while Parkinson’s tremors happen more at rest.
Illustration of a person experiencing essential tremors (ET) in the hand while writing, leading to shaky and uneven pen strokes.
Symptoms I Often See
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- Shaking in both hands during activity
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- Difficulty drinking from a glass without spilling
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- Trouble writing clearly
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- Head nodding or shaking
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- Voice sounding shaky while speaking
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- Anxiety or tiredness making the tremor worse
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- Family members also having similar tremors
What Causes Essential Tremors?
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The exact cause of essential tremor is still not known.
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However, researchers think essential tremor is accompanied by degeneration of certain areas of the brain (particularly the cerebellum) that control the movement of body.
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This is an ongoing debate in the research field.
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It is not caused by weakness, stroke, or mental health issues. It is also not a result of Parkinson’s Disease, though it may look similar.
How can essential tremor be diagnosed?
I diagnose tremors by:
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- By Clinical Evaluation and Neurological Examination
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- By checking other Neurological findings such as impaired balance, speech abnormalities, or increased muscle stiffness
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- Certain blood or urine tests can rule out metabolic causes such as thyroid dysfunction and certain medications that can cause tremor
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- MRI of the brain is usually normal in patients with ET, but it helps to rule out other causes of tremors
A correct diagnosis is essential to give the right treatment.
Illustration of bilateral hand shaking due to essential tremors (ET), a common movement disorder.
What is the Treatment for Essential Tremor?
Although there is no cure for most forms of tremor, treatment options are available to help manage symptoms of ET.
1. Oral Medicines
Medicines can reduce the tremor and help you write, eat, or work better. Common ones I use:
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- Propranolol (a beta blocker)
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- Primidone (an anti-epileptic drug)
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- Topiramate, gabapentin, or clonazepam (in selected cases)
I start with low doses and adjust slowly to avoid side effects.
2. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injection
Botulinum toxin injection therapy is an alternative option in those patients who don’t tolerate medications or do not respond to maximally tolerated doses.
It is well tolerated by most of patients and can lead to significant improvement in tremor and functional capacity. This is helpful for:
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- Hand tremors
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- Head or voice tremors
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- Patients who don’t want to take daily tablets
Botox relaxes the overactive muscles that cause shaking. The effect starts in 3-5 days and lasts for 3-4 months.
3. Lifestyle Tips
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- Avoid excess caffeine or stress
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- Use weighted spoons or pens
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- Wear clothes with easy buttons or zippers
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- Use two hands to hold objects
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- Take breaks during long activities
I also support you with emotional counseling if tremors affect your confidence or mood.
4. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of bilateral thalamus (Vim) region is preferred in drug and botulinum toxin refractory cases.
This is a brain surgery in which two electrodes are implanted in the brain and attached to a brain pacemaker (pulse generator) placed under the skin of the chest via extension wires.
This is a safe and effective procedure for long-term control of disabling tremors.
Why Get Treated for Essential Tremors?
Tremors are not dangerous, but they can:
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- Make daily tasks difficult
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- Affect your handwriting
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- Embarrass you in public
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- Stop you from working or socializing
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- Lower your confidence
That’s why getting the right help at the right time can make life much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is essential tremor the same as Parkinson’s?
No. Essential tremor mostly happens during movement. Parkinson’s tremors occur at rest and come with stiffness and slowness, Know More.
Q2. Is it curable?
No, but with the right treatment, the shaking can be reduced a lot, Know More.
Q3. Will I need lifelong treatment?
Not always. Some people need regular treatment, while others manage with small changes and support, Know More.
Q4. Can children or young people have tremors?
Yes. I’ve seen many young adults with familial tremors. It’s important to rule out other causes early, Know More.
Q5. Can I get Botulinum Toxin Injection again and again?
Yes. Botulinum Toxin Injection is safe when repeated every 3-4 months. Many patients take it regularly and do well, Know More.
Let’s Control Your Tremors Together
If your hand shakes while writing or eating, or your voice sounds shaky, don’t ignore it. I’ll help you find the cause and create a simple plan that works for you.
Book Your Appointment Today
Call: 8866843843
Medisquare Superspeciality Hospital, Ahmedabad
