From the Guidelines
The most effective treatment for Essential Tremor Disease (ETD) is propranolol, which has been used for over 40 years to reduce tremor amplitude. According to a recent study published in 2022 in the journal Hypertension 1, propranolol has been a longstanding treatment option for essential tremor, with other beta-blockers like metoprolol also being effective in certain cases.
Key Treatment Options
- Propranolol: a beta-blocker that has been used to treat essential tremor for more than 40 years, as noted in the 2022 study 1
- Other beta-blockers: such as metoprolol, may also be effective depending on the case, as suggested by the same study 1
Additional Considerations
- Lifestyle modifications: such as limiting caffeine, stress, and sleep deprivation, which can exacerbate tremors
- Individualized treatment: based on tremor severity, impact on daily functioning, and potential medication side effects, to ensure the best possible outcome for patients with ETD.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Essential Tremor Disease (ETD)
- The primary treatment for ETD includes pharmacologic medications, with propranolol and primidone being the most effective options 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Other medications such as topiramate, alprazolam, and botulinum toxin injections may also be used to reduce tremor symptoms 3, 5, 6
- Surgical procedures like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and thalamotomy may be considered for patients with medically refractory tremor 2, 3, 5, 6
- Alternative therapies such as botulinum toxin injections and MRI-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy may also be effective in reducing tremor symptoms 2, 5
Pharmacologic Treatments
- Propranolol and primidone are considered first-line medications for ETD 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Topiramate, alprazolam, and clonazepam may be used as add-on agents or alternative treatments 5, 6
- Gabapentin and botulinum toxin injections may also be used to reduce tremor symptoms 6
Surgical Treatments
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is considered for treating tremor refractory to medications 2, 3, 5, 6
- Thalamotomy and MRI-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy are also effective in reducing tremor symptoms 2, 5
- Surgical procedures may lead to greater than 75% improvements in tremor symptoms, but may also be associated with risks and side effects 6