One manifestation of an unhealthy nervous system is tremor. What it is? This disease is characterized by rhythmic involuntary fluctuations of the functional parts of the body. Mostly diagnosed are tremor of hands and tremor of the head area. In addition to lesions of the nervous system, this condition may indicate endocrine, somatic diseases, various intoxications of the body.
Types of disease
Tremor is divided into physiological and pathological.
Physiological tremor is present in any healthy person. It is impossible to notice it with the naked eye, since its amplitude is very small, and the frequency is 8-12 Hz. In the case when the frequency remains the same, and the amplitude increases, an enhanced physiological tremor is diagnosed. What it is? This is a condition that can occur as a result of various conditions that cause the excitation of peripheral adrenergic receptors (fear, excitement, taking certain medications). Manifested by quick and easy trembling of the fingers, eyelids, head.
Pathological tremor, what is it? This condition occurs due to various diseases. Such a tremor has a number of electrophysiological and clinical characteristics that differ significantly from physiological tremor. This type of disease can accompany such hyperkinesis as dystonia, athetosis, chorea, ballism, tics, myoclonus.
You can also distinguish these types of tremors:
Drug. This condition can be triggered by the use of caffeine, aminophylline, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, psychostimulants. With mercury intoxication, tremor appears at rest, then intensifies with muscle movements and is manifested by trembling of the muscles of the face and limbs.
In a special place is an essential tremor. What it is? This is a condition that can occur during activity, maintaining a position, maintaining a posture. Hands, head, lower jaw, legs, and vocal cords may be involved in tremor. In half the cases, this condition has a hereditary nature, but damage to the cerebellum is also possible.
Tremor: symptoms of the disease
As mentioned above, the disease is manifested by rhythmic vibrations of parts of the body. Tremor begins with the trembling of one hand, which gradually covers the other. Trembling of the head, tongue (this leads to impaired speech), chin, and in rare cases tremors of the legs and torso can also be observed. This condition does not allow a person to draw, write, hold a spoon, a cup, other objects. Alcohol and excitement may increase tremor symptoms. The gait of the patient is not changed.
Tremor treatment
If tremor appears only with emotional stress, then treatment involves a single dose of drugs that have sleeping pills and soothing effects.
With the essential type, therapy is aimed at reducing the amplitude of tremor and may include taking beta-adrenergic antagonists, benzodiazepines, as well as anticonvulsants.
With cerebellar tremor, it is recommended to take gamgergic drugs, and also use a bracelet to weight the limb.
However, one should know that it is impossible to completely cure tremor. You can only reduce the severity of the disease in order to optimize everyday life.
Prevention
To prevent tremor, it is recommended to avoid stressful situations whenever possible. Monitor the patient’s well-being and prevent overwork, as this can worsen the condition. Limit the use of foods and drinks containing caffeine and give up bad habits. Regular exercise also has a good preventive effect.