INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
A recent tweet from Hyderabad-based, Dr
Sudhir Kumar is a clear example of how even the most subtle symptom can be a big indicator of an underlying health condition
In the tweet made on X (formerly Twitter), Dr
Kumar highlights how a minor change ended up in the diagnosis of a neurological condition called essential tremors.The patient, 30 year old,
visited the doctor after undergoing several incidents which included the inability to hold a cup of tea properly and most shockingly,
getting a cheque canceled due to signature mismatch.Dr
Kumar writes: 30-year old Mr Jasprit (name changed) presented to OPD with shaking of both hands for the past six months
He had difficulty in holding a cup of tea while drinking
He pressed the panic button, when a cheque issued by him was not honored at the bank due to a "signature mismatch"
Mr Jasprit googled about his symptoms and his panic multiplied manifold
He made a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) based on "extensive research" of his symptoms on Google
Mr Jasprit requested me to give the best medical treatment for his PD
I requested him to remain calm while I took a detailed history and clinically examined him.As per Dr
Kumar's observation, the patient had the following signs:1
He had shaking (tremors) of hands only when he performed an action, such as while holding an object or while trying to write
There were no tremors at rest
He walked normally and there was no slowness of movements
There was no stiffness or rigidity of limbs while trying to move them.4
There were no balance issues while walking or while turning
These clinical features were hallmarks of another disease and not PD
My final diagnosis was: Essential tremors (ET)," writes Dr
Kumar.Read the tweet here:What are essential tremors?Essential Tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder characterized by rhythmic and
involuntary shaking, typically affecting the hands, though it can extend to other parts of the body
Unlike Parkinson's disease, essential tremors occur during voluntary movements and are often more pronounced with action, such as holding
objects or reaching for items
ET is a progressive condition that can worsen over time, impacting daily activities and quality of life
While the tremors are generally not life-threatening, they can become severe enough to interfere with tasks requiring fine motor skills,
such as writing or drinking from a cup
Essential Tremor can affect individuals of any age, but it is more commonly observed in older adults
Treatment options may include medications, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, surgical interventions to manage symptoms
Though essential tremors can be challenging, early diagnosis and appropriate management strategies can help individuals lead fulfilling
lives despite the condition.ET is misconstrued as Parkinson's diseaseDr
Kumar highlights the key differences between ET and Parkinson's disease:1
In ET, tremors occur while doing an activity, whereas in PD, tremors occur while at rest,2
People with PD have associated other symptoms such as slowness of movements, rigidity of limbs and loss of balance
These symptoms are absent in ET,3
ET generally affects both hands from the beginning, whereas PD starts in one hand, and after a long gap, the other side may also get
The deterioration in symptoms is more rapid in PD than in ET
I counselled Mr Jasprit about the diagnosis and the likely long-term outcome
Kumar.Why do more women have diabetes than men? What are the exclusive diabetes symptoms seen in women?What is the treatment method
available for essential tremor?Essential tremor (ET) has various treatment options aimed at managing symptoms and improving the quality of
life for individuals affected
Medications, such as beta-blockers and anticonvulsants, can be prescribed to alleviate tremors
Additionally, lifestyle modifications, such as minimizing caffeine intake and stress, can help mitigate symptoms.Physical therapy and
occupational therapy can also be beneficial, focusing on exercises to enhance coordination and control
Incorporating relaxation techniques and stress management strategies into daily routines may complement medical interventions
A multidisciplinary approach combining medication, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve the quality of life for
those affected by this neurological disorder
Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to tailor an individualized treatment plan based on the severity and impact of the
tremors on daily functioning.
