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Q: 

Have an aunt that may have familial tremors. Started suddenly after coming home from the hospital. She is 94 years old.

By Anonymous April 19, 2018 - 5:38pm
 
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Sudden movement of her legs when in her wheelchair or moving the wheelchair; while standing or a sudden bumping of her foot, especially the left one will cause her to have one of these spasms. When sitting she will lose her balance and fall to the side or sometimes forward. When standing, her legs will give out and she will fall. When washing her and I wash the bottom of her left footing will cause a tremor or shaking spasm. Normally always occurs with her legs. Once a few weeks ago it occurred with her upper body as she was taking off her top. She shook so violently she fell forward and almost fell out of her chair. Fortunately I caught her. Any info you can give me to help understand what this is and if there is help for her would be greatly appreciated.

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HERWriter Guide

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing.

Benign (familial) essential tremor (ET) is a movement disorder most commonly characterized by shaking in the hands. It occurs in as much as 10% of people over the age of 60. It may also cause shaking of the head, voice, arms, and trunk, and less often, of the legs and feet. Two types of tremor are common with ET:

Postural tremor—shaking in certain positions only, such as with arms outstretched
Kinetic or action tremor—shaking that gets worse during activities, such as eating or shaving
In some cases, ET can be socially isolating. It may interfere with normal daily activities, such as writing or speaking. If so, contact your doctor for an evaluation.

Anon, please take your aunt to see a doctor or put a call in. Thank you for looking out for her.

Best,
Susan

April 20, 2018 - 3:59am
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