Noninvasive Essential Tremor treatment discussed

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — An estimated 10 million Americans have Essential Tremor, a neurological condition causing involuntary shaking of the hands, voice and head.

While it is not fatal, it impacts one’s “Quality of life.” Presently, there is no “silver bullet” to treat the condition. Medications do not work the same for everyone; it’s a “trial and error” journey. However, there is hope on the horizon as numerous scientific research protocols are underway. In July 2016, the FDA approved the first focused ultrasound device to treat ET.

This new noninvasive procedure, as well as other treatment options, will be discussed at 2 p.m. Thursday at Christ of the Hills Methodist Church, in Hot Springs Village.

ET Support Group members will hear from a guest speaker who is involved with educating ET sufferers about this new procedure. Additionally, a representative from Insightec, manufacturer of the device used during the procedure, will be available to address technical aspects of the procedure.

The speaker has worked at the Essential Tremor Education Center in Florida since its inception in January 2017. She has a degree in child and family sciences from Florida State University and a master’s degree in counseling from Rollins College also in Florida. Before joining the education center, she worked in the travel industry for 14 years focusing on customer service and corporate training.

The ET Support Group meets every last Thursday of the month. There will be no meeting in December because of the holidays. Sufferers, caregivers and those interested in learning more are welcome. For more information, call Janice Morrison at 922-6656 or email jmhb@suddenlink.net. Anyone coming from outside the Village should bring a copy of this article to show the guard at the gate.