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There's a difference.


Parkinson’s versus Essential Tremors: similar in some regards but extremely different.  I currently serve on the board for a local grassroots nonprofit here in Louisville--The Parkinson Support Center.  I highly recommend them if you need a resource for anything related to Parkinson’s.  The purpose of this blog will to be compare and contrast the two conditions.  I often find that when individuals begin to tremor, especially at the typical onset age, it is very easy to jump to the conclusion one has Parkinson’s Disease.
 
It is important to remember that every case is different, there is no hard and fast rule.  Once you notice any tremor at all you should go see your primary care physician who should then refer to a neurologist, preferably one who specializes in movement disorders.  I always recommend a second and third opinion, if possible.
 
Essential Tremor
Parkinson’s Disease
           Symmetrical
           Postural, kinetic tremor
           Fast, high frequency
           Involvement: Arm, legs, voice, neck, face or tongue
           Responds to alcohol
           Onset any age
           Tremor: Bilateral
           Muscle tone: Normal
           Facial expression: Normal
           Gait: Normal
           Tremor length during hand suspensions: none or can last up 2-3s
           Affected by stress, anxiety and emotion
           Can lead to social anxiety and low self esteem

       Asymmetrical
       Resting Tremor
       Slow, low frequency
       Involvement: Hand, chin, legs (not always accurate)
      No response to alcohol
        Onset age 60+
         Tremor: Unilateral in about 80%
           Muscle tone: Rigid
           Facial expression: Decreased
           Gait: Decreased
           Tremor length during hand suspensions: longer or can last up to 8-9s
           Affected by stress, anxiety and emotion
           Psychological symptoms: Dementia, depression and hallucination
           Sensory, sleep and emotional issues

Now I do not 100% agree with this chart on this Essential Tremor side (I did create it, I used references, but I kept it as neutral as possible). I have lived with this condition and have experienced issues with my gait and facial expressions.  I also have a resting tremor.  My reasoning behind this blog is to educate. I have no desire to belittle my condition because having this from a young age, let alone any age makes living life difficult.  However, having Parkinson’s Disease is whole other ball game.

Essential Tremors is eight times more common than Parkinson’s Disease; the treatment process is very different.  ET is also one of the most misdiagnosed conditions; up there with Lyme disease, Lupus and Celiac disease. Basically, ET and PD are both movement disorders that have a tremor and are often mistaken for each other.  However, they are very different.  The signs, symptoms and especially early diagnosis play an integral part in being able to distinguish the difference between the two.  However it is highly important to know the difference, so that they can each receive the proper treatment education and support they each deserve!

#essentialtremorawareness #Parkinsondisease #PDvsET #theresadifference #education #ET101 #PD101 #educationyourself #alwayslearning #girlswithtremors #knowledgeispower #vulnerabilityisstrength 





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