Marijuana and Essential Tremor

How MMJ Health can help Patients with Essential Tremor (Kinetic)

What is Essential Tremor (Kinetic)

Essential Tremor, also known as Kinetic Tremor, is a neurological condition that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking movements in different parts of the body. These uncontrollable shaking or trembling of the body generally affects the hands, arms and voice. These tremors are usually more pronounced during movement or when holding a posture against gravity. In other words, while doing voluntary movements or activities, holding objects or performing fine motor tasks. Essential Tremor is a common movement disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, especially those over 40 years old. It can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to perform daily activities such as writing, eating, or using a computer.

While the exact cause of Essential Tremor is unknown, it is believed to involve abnormalities in the brain circuits responsible for controlling movement. Essential Tremor can significantly impact daily life, making simple tasks challenging and affecting overall quality of life. However, emerging research suggests that medical marijuana, with its potential therapeutic properties,

may offer relief for individuals with Essential Tremor. The cannabinoids found in medical marijuana, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have shown promise in reducing tremors and improving motor control. By interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, medical marijuana may help regulate neurotransmitter activity and modulate the abnormal firing of neurons associated with Essential Tremor. While further studies are needed to fully understand the extent of its effectiveness, medical marijuana holds potential as an alternative or complementary treatment option for managing Essential Tremor and providing relief from its debilitating symptoms. Consulting with a knowledgeable healthcare professional at MMJ Health can help determine if medical marijuana is a suitable choice for your specific condition and guide you through the process of obtaining a medical marijuana recommendation.

What causes Essential Tremor?

While the exact cause of Essential Tremor is not fully understood, researchers believe it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Let’s explore some of the possible causes:

Genetic Factors: Essential Tremor often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. Mutations in certain genes, such as the LINGO1 gene, have been associated with an increased risk of developing Essential Tremor.
Abnormal Brain Function: Essential Tremor is believed to stem from abnormal activity in specific areas of the brain responsible for controlling movement, such as the cerebellum and thalamus. The exact mechanisms underlying this abnormal brain function are still being investigated.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps regulate the excitability of neurons, may play a role in the development of Essential Tremor.

It’s important to note that the causes of Essential Tremor are complex and can vary from person to person. Consulting with a healthcare professional specializing in Essential Tremor at MMJ Health can provide further insights into your specific case and help determine the most suitable treatment options.

Different Types of Essential Tremor

Kinetic Tremor: This is the most common type of essential tremor, characterized by tremors that occur during voluntary movements. Activities such as writing, eating, or holding objects may trigger these tremors. Kinetic tremors typically affect the hands, arms, and voice.
Postural Tremor: This type of essential tremor occurs when a person maintains a specific posture against gravity. For example, holding the arms outstretched or standing upright can lead to tremors in the affected areas.
Intention Tremor: Intention tremor is associated with tremors that worsen as an individual tries to perform precise or purposeful movements. These tremors are more pronounced when attempting tasks that require accuracy, such as touching a specific target or threading a needle.
Task-Specific Tremor: Task-specific tremors are tremors that are specific to certain activities or tasks. For instance, playing a musical instrument or performing skilled movements may trigger tremors, while other actions remain unaffected.
Head Tremor: In some cases, essential tremor can manifest as a head tremor. This involves involuntary shaking of the head, which can be side-to-side (no-no) or up-and-down (yes-yes) movements.

It is important to note that individuals with essential tremor may experience a combination of these types, and the severity can vary from person to person. Understanding the specific type of essential tremor can help guide treatment approaches and management strategies. Consulting with a healthcare professional specializing in Essential Tremor at MMJ Health can provide a comprehensive evaluation and personalized recommendations based on your unique needs.

Symptoms of Essential Tremor

Symptoms of Essential Tremor (Kinetic) may include:

Hand Tremors: The most prominent symptom of Essential Tremor is shaking or trembling of the hands. These tremors may worsen with specific activities, such as writing, using utensils, or performing fine motor tasks.
Arm Tremors: In addition to the hands, Essential Tremor can also cause tremors in the arms. These tremors can affect activities that involve arm movements, such as reaching for objects or performing tasks that require precision.
Head Tremors: Some individuals with Essential Tremor may experience tremors in the head. These tremors can manifest as a nodding or shaking movement, affecting the neck muscles.
Vocal Tremors: Essential Tremor can also impact the voice, leading to vocal tremors. This can result in a quivering or shaky voice during speaking or singing.

It is important to note that Essential Tremor symptoms can vary in frequency and severity. While the tremors associated with Essential Tremor are not typically accompanied by other neurological symptoms, they can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life. If you are experiencing these symptoms, consulting with a healthcare professional specializing in Essential Tremor at MMJ Health can help provide a proper diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan to manage your symptoms effectively.

Diagnosing Essential Tremor (Kinetic)

Diagnosing Essential Tremor (Kinetic) involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional experienced in movement disorders. Since essential tremor shares some similarities with other neurological conditions, a proper diagnosis is essential to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Here are the steps a doctor would typically take to diagnose Essential Tremor:

Medical history and physical examination to rule out other possible causes of tremors: The doctor will take a detailed medical history, including a discussion of your symptoms, their frequency and severity, and any potential trigger or patterns associated with your tremors. A thorough physical examination will be conducted to observe and assess the nature of your tremors.
Neurological examination to evaluate muscle strength, reflexes, and coordination: It allows us to evaluate various aspects of brain function.
Family history evaluation to determine if there is a genetic predisposition to essential tremor

Tremor observation and analysis of the affected area, such as arms, head, or voice: The doctor will closely observe the tremors, noting theri location intensity, frequency and when they occur.
Blood tests to rule out other medical conditions.
Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scan, to rule out other neurological conditions.
Diagnostic criteria: The doctor will compare your symptoms and examination findings to the diagnostic criteria for Essential Tremor. These criteria include the absence of other neurological conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
Response to medications: In some cases, the doctor may prescribe a medication commonly used to treat Essential Tremor, such as beta-blockers or anticonvulsants, to assess your response. Improvement of tremor symptoms with these medications can help support an Essential Tremor diagnosis.

It is important to note that there is no single test to diagnose essential tremor and it can often be diagnosed based on a combination of factors, including the exclusion of other possible causes of tremors. This is why it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional experienced in movement disorders, such as those at MMJ Health, for an accurate diagnosis of Essential Tremor (Kinetic) and to determine the most appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs and circumstances.

Best Terpenes for Essential Tremor (Kinetic)

Research suggests that terpenes found in cannabis may help alleviate some symptoms of Essential Tremor. Here are some terpenes that may be beneficial:

Myrcene

known for its sedative and muscle relaxant properties, may help to reduce muscle tremors and reduce anxiety

Caryophyllene

has anti-inflammatory properties and may help alleviate pain and muscle spasms. It may provide relief from pain and inflammation associated with Essential Tremors. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of terpenes may vary from person to person.

Pinene

has anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve focus and alertness

Limonene

has anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve mood and reduce stress. It may help alleviate anxiety and stress, which can worsen Essential Tremor symptoms.

Linalool

known for its calming effects, may help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation

Best Strains for Essential Tremor (Kinetic)

While there is no known cure for this condition, some cannabis strains have shown promise in providing relief from the symptoms of Essential Tremor. Here are some of the best strains for this condition:

CBD Critical Cure

Also known as Critical Cure, this indica-dominant strain has a balanced CBD-THC ratio. It’s a favorite amongst patients suffering from Essential Tremor because it may alleviate pain, stress and inflammation while having little psychoactive effects. Its relaxing properties may also act as mood boosters in some individuals.

It’s important to note that the effects of strains can vary based on individual body chemistry and the specific terpene and cannabinoid profile of each strain.

Best Online Tools for Essential Tremor (Kinetic)

There are various online tools and resources available to individuals living with Essential Tremor (Kinetic) to help manage their condition. These resources can provide information, support, and tools to manage symptoms.

International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF): The IETF is a non-profit organization that provides information, resources, and support for individuals with essential tremor. The website offers a variety of resources including a blog, forums, and educational materials.
Tremor Tracker: Tremor Tracker is a mobile app designed to help individuals with essential tremor track their symptoms. The app allows users to record the frequency, severity, and duration of their tremors, as well as other relevant information such as medication use.

Essential Tremor Education Center: The Essential Tremor Education Center is an online resource center that provides information and resources for individuals with essential tremor, as well as their caregivers and healthcare providers. The website offers educational materials, webinars, and a community forum.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): NINDS is a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that is dedicated to research and education related to neurological disorders. The NINDS website provides information on essential tremor, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Tremor Action Network: The Tremor Action Network is an online community for individuals with essential tremor and their caregivers. The website offers a forum for discussion, as well as resources and educational materials on essential tremor.

Overall, these online tools provide valuable information, resources, and support for individuals with essential tremor and their caregivers, and can help them better manage their condition.

What can a Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor do for Essential Tremor (Kinetic)

Essential Tremor can be a debilitating condition, affecting everyday life. However, with the help of various treatment options, such as medical marijuana, individuals with Essential Tremor can live a more manageable life. The benefits of medical marijuana for Essential Tremor patients include reduced tremors, decreased anxiety, and improved sleep quality. At MMJ Health, our qualified physicians are dedicated to helping patients find relief and improving their quality of life. Book an appointment with us to learn more about how medical marijuana can benefit you.

In conclusion, living with Essential Tremor (Kinetic) can present challenges, but with the right support and treatment, managing its symptoms becomes more achievable. Medical marijuana has shown promise in providing potential relief for individuals with Essential Tremor, and MMJ Health is here to help. With our 9 convenient locations in Florida and a team of friendly and knowledgeable staff, we are committed to providing the best care and support for our patients. Our experienced doctors specialize in medical marijuana treatments and can guide you in finding the most suitable options for your condition. Don’t let Essential Tremor hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Take the first step towards finding relief by booking an appointment with MMJ Health today. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to help you navigate your journey towards a better quality of life.

For individuals living with Essential Tremor (Kinetic), one of the biggest struggles is the impact it can have on their daily lives and activities. The involuntary and often uncontrollable tremors can make simple tasks such as eating, writing, or even holding a cup challenging. These tremors can also affect social interactions, causing embarrassment or self-consciousness. The constant physical movements can lead to frustration, anxiety, and difficulty in maintaining a sense of normalcy. Additionally, Essential Tremor (Kinetic) can impact a person’s overall quality of life, affecting their ability to perform tasks at work, engage in hobbies, or participate in social events. It is crucial for individuals with Essential Tremor (Kinetic) to have access to comprehensive medical care, support, and treatment options to help alleviate the daily struggles and enhance their overall well-being.