Dude! Why are your hands shaking? Why are you so nervous? You had too much to drink - look at your hands shake!

Comments like these are what cause many people with Essential Tremor to try and hide. I know I did for many years. I have had Essential Tremor for over 40 years and it has been a difficult journey.

If you or a loved one has shaky hands, it may be Essential Tremor, also known as ET.

Essential Tremor is a brain problem (neurological disorder) that is characterized by uncontrollable shaking or tremors in different parts of the body. The tremors can occur in various parts of the body, including the hands, head, voice, and legs, but the most common area affected is the hands. Essential Tremor has been known in the past as familial tremor, benign essential tremor, or hereditary essential tremor.

Essential Tremor is the most common movement disorder in the world and affects about 7 million people in the US (more common than Parkinson’s disease). ET can begin at a young age (my shaky hands started at age 14), but it can also begin later in life. It is considered to be a progressive disorder, meaning that it gets worse over time.

Essential tremor is a neurodegenerative disorder. This means that it involves the breakdown or loss of brain function and or brain cells. This brain disorder tends to run in families (my dad and sister also have it). Other potential causes may be exposures to toxins, infections, and even some foods.

The symptoms of Essential Tremor can vary from person to person, but typically, the shaking is more noticeable during movements, such as holding a glass, writing, putting on make-up or eating. With Essential Tremor, the shaking usually disappears during sleep and is not present when the body part is at rest.

While Essential Tremor is not a life-threatening condition, it is not benign!

ET can significantly affect a person's quality of life, threatening their career, relationships, hobbies and fun. The tremors can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as eating, writing, working or using a keyboard. In some cases, the tremors can also affect a person's ability to walk or speak. Essential tremor has also been associated with other brain disorders like depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, balance problems, hearing and others. So if you or a loved one have ET, then you need to do more than take medicine so that your brain does not get worse!

Essential Tremor Treatment can be challenging. Currently, there is no cure for Essential Tremor. However, there are several treatments available that can help to manage the symptoms. Medications such as beta-blockers or anti-seizure medications are often prescribed to help reduce the severity of tremors. Unfortunately, these medicines often do not work real well and come with side effects ( I gained weight, had fatigue and developed depression while taking medicine). In more severe cases, surgical options such as deep brain stimulation or thalamotomy may be considered.

Here at Living Health and at www.ShakeFree.org we have developed an approach (online and in person) to reduce Essential Tremor without drugs or surgery. This is done by addressing the root causes of neurodegeneration and helping the brain to improve its function. Our tremor clinic is located in Midway, Utah, close to Park City.


In conclusion, Essential Tremor is a common, but serious, movement disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. If you or a loved one has ET or shaky hands, it is important to get into a neurological movement specialist to make sure you have the right diagnosis of the condition. If you are tired of medicine and are not ready for brain surgery, then we are here with a natural approach to Essential Tremor!

Book your free consultation with us today