

Just over a third of respondents use a scooter. Others use them only occasionally – such as at airports. People often use a wheelchairs, and some find that a wheelchair is essential for going out and/or moving around at home. However, Pregabalin or Lyrica may be used. There are no known cures for orthostatic tremor, but many people are prescribed drugs to ease the symptoms. Simple household tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and even making a cup of tea (or carrying it to another room) are either difficult or impossible. People experience much frustration and dependency on spouses/partners/carers, and often lack of confidence when separated from them. Particular difficulty is caused by situations such as a crowded place - nowhere to sit, exertion involved, and the risk of falling. Feelings such as anger, annoyance, concern, frustration, and even excitement or anticipation can be a problem. There is a vicious circle where the tremor gives rise to stress, and then the stress increases the tremor and so on. It is recognised that stress makes tremors worst. Some people will suffer pain when moving and over some said they have some pain when resting, usually in the legs and back. Even after a day of relatively little physical activity, they may feel unable to get out of a chair, or needing sleep. Basic routines such as showering or dressing can take much longer than normal and require a period of rest for recovery. People frequently suffer from extreme exhaustion or fatigue. The actual distance which can be walked will vary, and at worst people can not walk at all. However as the condition progresses, the walking distance tends to reduce. People may find that they walk quickly and are unable to walk slowly. In the early stages of orthostatic tremor, walking may not be affected too much. People find that the pain will disappear slightly when the person sits or lies down.

There may be a “freezing up” of the legs and oing day to day things such as queuing, or browsing in shops are difficult and quite likely impossible. Person feel their legs buckle under them. Standingįor everyone who has orthostatic tremor, standing, sometimes for just a few seconds, is difficult. Orthostatic tremor varies from person to person, and sufferers find their own experiences change from time to time - sometimes due to stress or exertion, but sometimes without any reason what so ever. People with orthostatic tremor will often struggle with:

On a day to day basis people feel stressed and frustration, but they are not alone. It usually occurs when a person is standing upright. Orthostatic tremor is a condition that involves the unintentional rhythmic muscle movement of one or more parts of the body.
