A neurological disorder that causes rhythmic and involuntary shaking in the body is known as essential tremor. While essential tremor can occur in any part of the body, in most of the cases, it can be seen in the form of trembling in the hands. It can be noticed while doing simple tasks such as holding a glass of water, or while tying shoelaces.

The way doctors diagnose essential tremors is usually by eliminating the cause of tremors from other conditions. In the case where these tremors are mild, treatment is not required. In the scenario where the difficulty is being caused in performing everyday activities, some of these treatment options can be used:

Tranquilizers
In some people, anxiety and tension can worsen the condition of tremors. For these patients, benzodiazepine medications like clonazepam (commonly known as Klonopin) can be prescribed. However, this medication could induce certain side-effects in patients such as mild sedation or fatigue. These medications are also habit-forming and thereby should be used carefully.

Beta-blockers
This type of medication is usually used to treat cases of high blood pressure. Some medications of this class such as propranolol can also be used in the treatment of tremors in some people. However, this class of medicines should not be used in patients of asthma and certain heart conditions.

Anti-seizure medications
When patients do not respond to beta-blockers, epilepsy medications like primidone can be used for the treatment of essential tremors in some patients. Other medications from the class of anti-seizure medications which can be used to relieve the problems caused by essential tremors are topiramate (Qudexy XR, Topamax), and Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise). These medications can induce certain side-effects in patients such as nausea and drowsiness. However, these side-effects are only temporary and will eventually subside.

Botox injections (Onabotulinum toxin A)
If the tremors noticed are mostly head and voice tremors, then botox injections can be found to be useful in the treatment of tremors. Botox injections can help in the treatment of tremors from one to three months at a time. Using these injections to treat hand tremors can lead to weakness in fingers. When using these for the treatment of voice tremors, a hoarse voice and difficulty in swallowing might develop in the patient.

Exploring additional equipment
Additional devices such as weighted devices and adaptive equipment can be used for the treatment or management of essential tremors. Individuals affected with this condition can consult their occupational therapists to understand how the employment of an arm cuff or a weighted hand can be helpful in the management of tremors while performing short bouts of functional activities. Adaptive tools and equipment such as button hooks, weighted utensils, weighted pens, and elastic shoelaces can also be of great help in the management of essential tremors.

Forearm cooling
This management option is generally suggested and taken care of by a trained occupational therapist. Essential tremors can be managed for several hours by controlling the temperature that the muscles are exposed to for some time.