Not All Hand Tremors Are Caused by the Parkinson's Disease

When it comes to hand tremors due to neurological problems, the first disease that comes to mind is Parkinson's Disease. People can be deeply worried if they develop tremors. Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Neurosurgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya says that essential tremors may be the cause of the tremors that patients immediately mistake for Parkinson's Disease. 

Not All Hand Tremors Are Caused by the Parkinson's Disease

Essential tremor, which is thought to be caused by genetic causes, is a problem that emerges after adolescence, predominantly in middle age. Moreover, it is a progressive disease in which the tremor is not only limited to the hand but continues in the tongue, head, etc. It is important to receive treatment as it seriously affects the social life of the individuals. Stating that tremors can be treated surgically in these patients, albeit symptomatic, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Neurosurgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya explains that effective results can be achieved with the use of a brain battery in treatment.

It Commences and Progresses After Adolescence

The majority of patients with essential tremors appear to have this problem in their close relatives. Patients with moderate hand tremors can continue their lives without any major problems. However, if the tremors become very noticeable and visible from the outside, they begin to feel discomfort. Explaining that the symptoms become more pronounced in advanced ages, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya tells the following about the experiences of the patients: “Essential tremor is usually a progressive disease. The findings of the patients become more pronounced at advanced ages. Their daily lives also begin to be affected due to tremors. For example, they cannot write properly, draw shapes, or make exceptionally fine movements with their hands. They do not want to socialize because these tremors become more pronounced especially in social environments when excited, stressed or worried.”

If this disorder in the movement system is detected after neurological examinations, surgical intervention is considered. Reminding that only a specialist can distinguish between a tremor-based Parkinson's Disease and essential tremor, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya says, “Patients confuse these two problems with each other. For this reason, a patient with essential tremor should not immediately think that he/she has Parkinson's Disease before going to the doctor and being diagnosed.”

Accurate Diagnosis is Important in the Success of Brain Battery Treatment

Explaining that the surgical decision should be taken together with the neurologist in essential tremor patients, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya said, “In the preliminary stages, it is necessary to try medication treatments. If these are not helpful, the only option left is a brain battery. We have a special focus on the nucleus of the brain, which we call the “thalamus”. When we can suppress this focus with an electric current, we see a very significant reduction in tremor. The treatment we apply to the patient is symptomatic. However, highly effective results are achieved for the patient.”