It used to be called “benign essential tremor” because it’s not life-threatening. Some research suggests that people with essential tremor have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease essential tremors and alcohol or sensory problems, like a loss of smell or hearing. Essential tremor is usually not a dangerous condition, but it typically worsens over time and can be severe in some people.

To overcome this, a larger dose of alcohol is then required to produce the earlier effects. Alcohol is commonly used as a stimulant and a sedative, depending upon the dose ingested and the previous habits of the individual. It acts by depressing the central nervous system (CNS) via facilitation of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This tilts the balance between the excitatory chemical glutamate and the inhibitory molecule GABA, resulting in reduced excitability of the brain and spinal cord. Alcohol is a known brain toxin, particularly to the cerebellum, which is the part involved in involuntary tremor, say the authors. Compared with those who had not developed tremor, those who did were significantly more likely to have been drinking regularly and for longer.

Review

Because there are many different medications and treatment approaches, the side effects can vary widely. Your healthcare provider is the best person to tell you more about the possible complications you might experience after your symptoms improve and confusion resolves. Your provider may also tell loved ones authorized to know and make choices about your care. Delirium tremens (DTs) is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal. DTs is possible when someone with alcohol use disorder, especially moderate or severe alcohol use disorder, suddenly stops drinking entirely. Delirium tremens is a life-threatening form of alcohol withdrawal.

If you want to stay in control of the amount you’re drinking, a good way to help achieve this is to have several drink-free days each week. It’s advisable not to drink regularly more than 14 units per week, and it is best to spread this evenly over 3 days or more. Each of the following examples of those forms is equal to one drink. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be the result of damage to particular brain (Purkinje) cells and disrupted signaling between the nerve “junction boxes” or synapses. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

How to take care of myself/manage symptoms?

Hyperkinetic disorders include tremor, dystonia, myoclonus, and chorea. Every additional year of regular daily drinking at this level upped the risk by 23 percent. Even those who drank fewer units, but who drank regularly, increased their risk, although not to the same extent. The content published in Cureus is the result of clinical experience and/or research by independent individuals or organizations.

• For essential tremor in your hands, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections have shown some promise in easing the trembling.
• The NTF depends on donations, sponsorship and contributions in order to carry out its work helping people with all types of tremor including those with essential tremor and orthostatic tremor.
• Additionally, alcohol tremors may be a symptom of a more serious condition, like delirium tremens, which necessitate immediate medical attention.
• The risk of death is also higher if you have other severe medical conditions.
• Receiving treatment for it can help reduce the odds of developing DTs in the future.