About ET

What is Essential Tremor?

Once known as familial tremor, benign essential tremor or hereditary tremor, essential tremor (ET) is a neurological condition that causes a rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, voice, legs or trunk. Some even feel an internal shake. It is often confused with Parkinson�s disease although eight times more common, affecting an estimated 10 million Americans alone. Because of stereotypes and a lack of awareness, many people with ET never seek medical care though many would benefit from treatment.

Download and print these documents about essential tremor for reference:

International Essential Tremor Foundation brochure - General information about the condition and mission of the IETF (Spanish version)

Patient Handbook - Helps patients understand all the different aspects of their condition--from the diagnosis process to treatment options (Spanish version)

Children with Essential Tremor - A guide for parents, teachers and other caring adults

Brain Tissue Donation: A Legacy of Love - Brain tissue donation information

Facts about Essential Tremor - The basic facts about the condition (Spanish version)

Common Medications - The most common medications used to treat ET (Spanish version)

Coping Tips - A list of tips and tricks from IETF members (Spanish version)

Essential Tremor vs. Parkinson's Disease - A simple tool that explains the differences between the two conditions

Glossary of Common Essential Tremor Terms - An alphabetical listing of common words, terms and procedures associated with essential tremor

Surgical Options - Offers the latest information on DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation), Gamma Knife, surgical treatment research and more

Tremor Gram Archive - An archive of the IETF's free, monthly, electronic newsletter.

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