Essential Tremor Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary shaking or trembling of certain parts of the body, most commonly the hands and head. Sometimes the voice is affected, making it sound shaky or quivery.

In people with essential tremor, shaking typically:

  • Worsens when the hands are being used (for example, drinking from a cup or writing)
  • Improves or stops when the hands are resting
  • May get worse when holding certain positions (postural tremor)

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, essential tremor is a common condition seen by neurologists at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and other local clinics.

What Is Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor affects the voluntary muscles—the muscles you can consciously move. It is:

  • A movement disorder, not a muscle weakness problem
  • Usually gradual in onset and slowly progressive over time
  • Often more noticeable with action or movement, rather than at rest

Although it is more common in older adults, essential tremor can occur at any age. Some people are even born with it. Many Grand Rapids residents first notice symptoms when fine motor tasks—like buttoning a shirt, holding utensils, or using tools—become more difficult.

There is currently no cure for essential tremor, but medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases surgery can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Symptoms of Essential Tremor

Common symptoms of essential tremor include:

  • A small, rapid shaking or trembling of the hands, head, or voice
  • Tremor that:
    • Starts when movement begins (such as reaching for an object)
    • Continues or worsens during movement
    • Eases or disappears when the affected body part is at rest
    • Stops during sleep
  • Head nodding, if the head is affected
  • Shaky, quivering voice, if the larynx (voice box) is affected
  • Tremor that worsens with age
  • Tremor that may eventually involve:
    • Hands and arms
    • Head and neck
    • Eyelids
      (The legs are rarely affected.)

For many people in Grand Rapids, these symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as:

  • Writing or signing documents
  • Eating and drinking without spilling
  • Using tools or electronic devices
  • Getting dressed or doing personal grooming

Essential Tremor vs. Parkinson’s Disease

Essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease are different neurological disorders, although both can involve shaking.

Essential Tremor

  • Tremor usually occurs with movement or when holding a position
  • Hands, head, and voice are most commonly affected
  • Often runs in families
  • Usually no muscle stiffness (rigidity) or major slowness of movement

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain, a chemical needed for smooth, controlled muscle movement. Symptoms typically include:

  • Resting tremor – shaking when the muscles are relaxed and the body is not moving
  • Muscle stiffness (rigidity)
  • Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
  • Episodes of “freezing” – feeling stuck and unable to start moving

Essential tremor is actually more common than Parkinson’s disease. Some estimates suggest that around 1 in 5 people over age 65 may have some degree of essential tremor.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are due to essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease, a neurologist in Grand Rapids can perform a detailed evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of essential tremor is unknown, but research suggests:

  • A strong genetic link
    • Each child of a person with essential tremor has about a 50% chance of inheriting the condition.
    • When multiple family members are affected, the condition is often called familial tremor.
  • Subtle changes in certain areas of the brain that control movement

Tremor can also occur as a side effect of:

  • Certain medications
  • Exposure to environmental toxins or contaminants

In Michigan, industrial and agricultural exposures are sometimes considered when evaluating unexplained tremors, especially in people with a history of working around chemicals or heavy metals.

Factors That Can Worsen Essential Tremor

People living in Grand Rapids often notice that their tremor is worse under certain conditions, including:

  • Emotional stress or anxiety
  • Physical activity or overexertion
  • Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, energy drinks, some sodas)
  • Fatigue and lack of sleep
  • Alcohol use and withdrawal in some people

Cold West Michigan winters can also make tremors feel more noticeable, as shivering and muscle tension from low temperatures may temporarily worsen shaking. Dressing warmly and managing stress during winter months can sometimes help.

Impact on Quality of Life

Essential tremor is not life-threatening, but it can significantly affect day-to-day life in Grand Rapids, including:

  • Difficulty with everyday tasks:
    • Writing, typing, or signing forms
    • Eating, drinking, and cooking
    • Getting dressed, shaving, or applying makeup
  • Social embarrassment or self-consciousness about visible shaking
  • Increased fatigue, from the extra effort needed to control movements
  • Irritation, frustration, and stress due to lack of control over the affected body part

If essential tremor is affecting your independence or confidence at work, school, or in social situations, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider about treatment options.

How Essential Tremor Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

There is no single test that “proves” essential tremor. Diagnosis is usually based on:

1. Medical History

Your provider will ask about:

  • When the tremor started and how it has changed
  • Which body parts are affected
  • Family history of tremor or neurological conditions
  • Medications you take
  • Exposure to toxins or chemicals
  • Use of alcohol, caffeine, and other substances

2. Physical and Neurological Examination

A neurologist may:

  • Observe your tremor at rest and during movement
  • Ask you to write, draw, or hold objects
  • Check your strength, reflexes, coordination, and balance

3. Diagnostic Tests (to Rule Out Other Causes)

Your doctor may order tests such as:

  • Electromyography (EMG) – measures electrical activity in muscles
  • Blood tests – to look for thyroid problems, metabolic issues, or medication effects
  • Imaging tests:
    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
    • Computed tomography (CT) scan

These tests are commonly available through major Grand Rapids health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

Treatment of Essential Tremor in Grand Rapids

There is no cure for essential tremor, but treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Your primary care provider may refer you to a neurologist at a local health system for specialized care.

Treatment Goals

  • Suppress or reduce involuntary movements
  • Improve function in daily activities
  • Minimize side effects from medications or procedures

Common Treatment Options

1. Observation and Regular Monitoring

If tremor is mild and does not interfere with your usual activities, your doctor may recommend:

  • Watchful waiting with regular checkups
  • Lifestyle changes to avoid known triggers (e.g., caffeine, excess alcohol, sleep deprivation, unmanaged stress)

2. Medications

Several medications can help reduce essential tremor in some people, including:

  • Beta blockers (often used for heart conditions)
  • Anticonvulsants (used to treat epilepsy)
  • Tranquilizers or anti-anxiety medications in selected cases

These medications are typically prescribed and monitored by a neurologist or primary care provider to balance benefits and side effects.

3. Stress Management and Lifestyle Changes

Non-medication strategies that may help include:

  • Stress management techniques:
    • Deep breathing
    • Mindfulness or meditation
    • Counseling or therapy if anxiety is a major trigger
  • Healthy sleep habits to reduce fatigue
  • Limiting or avoiding:
    • Caffeine
    • Excess alcohol
    • Other substances that worsen tremor

In some people, a small amount of alcohol may temporarily reduce tremor, but alcohol is not a recommended treatment. Long-term alcohol use carries significant health risks, including liver disease, addiction, and worsening of neurological symptoms.

4. Surgical and Advanced Treatments

For severe tremor that does not respond to medications, specialists in Grand Rapids or nearby tertiary centers may discuss:

  • Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
    • A surgically implanted device delivers electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain.
    • Helps “short-circuit” the abnormal brain signals causing tremor.
  • Brain surgery targeting the area responsible for tremor
    • In selected cases, carefully targeted procedures can reduce tremor.
  • MRI-guided focused ultrasound
    • A non-invasive procedure that uses focused ultrasound waves guided by MRI to treat specific brain areas.
    • This treatment is available for some people with essential tremor, but coverage varies and it is not covered by Medicare in the United States at this time.

Your neurologist can help you understand which options are appropriate based on your age, overall health, and severity of symptoms.

Living With Essential Tremor in Grand Rapids

People in Grand Rapids with essential tremor often benefit from a combination of medical care and practical strategies, such as:

  • Using adaptive devices (weighted utensils, cups with lids, larger pens)
  • Asking for reasonable accommodations at work or school
  • Planning extra time for tasks that require fine motor skills
  • Connecting with support groups or counseling to cope with stress and social anxiety

Because West Michigan experiences long, cold winters, planning ahead for safe mobility and dressing warmly can reduce additional muscle tension that may worsen tremors.

Local Resources and Where to Get Help

If you think you may have essential tremor or your current symptoms are getting worse, consider reaching out to:

  • Your primary care provider or family doctor in Grand Rapids
  • Neurology clinics at:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for information on local health programs and referrals
  • Local or online movement disorder and Parkinson’s support organizations, which often include resources for people with essential tremor as well

Prompt evaluation and treatment can help you maintain independence and quality of life, even as symptoms change over time.

Key Points About Essential Tremor

  • Essential tremor is a neurological movement disorder that causes involuntary shaking, usually of the hands, head, or voice.
  • Tremor typically worsens with movement and improves at rest or during sleep.
  • The condition often gradually worsens with age, and it is more common in older adults.
  • The cause is unknown, but there is a strong genetic component; many cases run in families.
  • Essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease are different disorders, with different causes and patterns of tremor.
  • There is no cure, but medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases surgery can significantly reduce symptoms.
  • Grand Rapids residents can access diagnosis and treatment through local health systems, neurologists, and public health resources.