klonopiN

Dear Dreamer,
I dont know alot about essential tremor - just a little. I cant say whether any psychotropic drugs would cause it or not. I'm sure its in the side effects of almost all nervous system medicines. You might want to access a PDR, searching for tremor as a side effect to any of your meds. If it is indeed inherited, I wouldnt try Clozaril if I were you. Its far, far too strong of an antypsychotic. I would try Gabapentin. It bypasses your liver, and is really easy on the system. Some say its a little too easy, and that it does pretty much nothing, but its just a false neurotransmitter, and everyone will respond differently to it. I do know that if you are under alot of stress, you can also have a hand tremor. I've had them periodically this year, while I've been sick, and it probably was due to being over-andrenalized with whatever my condition is. Dont get a deep brain stimulator, unless it gets really, really bad. Essential tremor isnt anything serious, but a surgery into the deep brain is. I'd exhaust all other resources, even some of DakotaJoe's theories , before doing that. I really hope it gets better, but dont worry about it too much. I know its tough, but I've gotten rather stoic about this kind of stuff. Hopefully, when your move ends, the tremor will settle down. Your in my prayers.

Peace
Homeskooled

Dear Dreamer,
If it is bilateral, as well as having neck spasms, have they ruled out Parkinsons? Parkinson's can also have intention tremors, but they are usually accompanied by a resting tremor as well. However, both are, to my knowledge, diagnosises of exclusion. Frankly, I would hope that you have a essential tremor over that any day. I've had essential tremor mentioned to me before as a possibility if my hand tremors get worse, but that was at a neuro appointment for increased intracranial pressure, so it was the least of my worries at that point.

I try to give the most honest and helpful advice I can, with the knowledge I have learned. I hope I didnt offend you in any way. I would lay all of this out to the neuro, and definitely not worry. Familial essential tremors are pretty common problems at neuroligists offices, and they should have the problem wrapped up after one or two visits. I'm sure he'll repeat his neuro exam, and have a look at your outstretched hands, your gait, and your reflexes, check for nystagmus, etc....Dont be alarmed if he orders a head CT. He may just be satisfied with a fundoscopic exam. As for your colonoscopy, I imagine they suspect polyps from either a CT or a specimen. The colonoscopy isnt rough at all. The prep is, though. Take it easy the day before. The laxative is really rough- a bit like having the flu. I might have to pursue one in the future, but for right now, I've already had an endoscopy, and I want to see what my other options are. Unfortunately, I dont take anesthesia well, and I had to have it without. Scary, very scary. Okay, good luck with the neuro appointment, and like I said, I'm sure they'll have it well under control soon.

Peace
Homeskooled