Do parts of your body shake involuntarily? You might have a condition known as essential tremor disorder. This neurological disorder can cause involuntary and rhythmic shaking in the head, neck, torso, arms, and hands. It can be especially noticeable when performing simple tasks like drinking from a glass.
While the condition isn’t typically life-threatening it can become worse over time. To better understand essential tremor disorder, here’s what you need to know including the common symptoms, causes, and treatment options available.
What Is Essential Tremor Disorder?
Essential tremor disorder is a neurological condition that affects roughly 7 million individuals in the United States. The disorder causes parts of your body to shake uncontrollably and rhythmically. It most often affects the hands and forearms, however other areas of the body can be affected too, including the head, face, tongue, neck, and torso, says Healthline.
The source notes, in rare cases it can affect the legs and feet. While it’s not a life-threatening condition, involuntary shaking can interfere with daily activities. This is why it’s important to have an understanding of what it is and what you can do about it.