Talk

Flip

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Children's health

Benign Essential Tremor in DD (aged8)

8 replies

ShutUpLegs · 27/01/2015 17:39

DD (aged 8) has just been diagnosed by the gP with Benign Essential Trmor in her hands. Its a very slight but noticeable shaking in her hands although it doesn't impair her fine motor skills in any way. We noticed it about 3 weeks ago.

The GP has ruled out thyroid issues and offered to refer us for specialist opinion if we so wish.

From some research, about 5% of kids seem to have it but there are slightly worrying figures about resulting disability before the age of 20. There seems to be little to be done other than wait and watch.

I just don't know whether to take up the referral so before I make up my mind one way or another, I thought I would check with the MN massive for any words of experience or advice. Has anyone's DCs had this diagnosis and if so, what has happened? Should I take up the referral or just be cool about it and monitor?

OP posts:

Report

cathpip · 27/01/2015 17:44

My brother has this, he was also left handed and his writing was and still is awful! Parents did very little as they were told there was nothing that could be done. Didn't stop him getting straight A's in his gcse's and Alevels though and he's now a structural engineer :)

Report

NK346f2849X127d8bca260 · 27/01/2015 17:47

My dh and eldest adult dd both have this, they both have no problems living a normal life and career.

Report

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 27/01/2015 17:55

I have this. It's not the worst thing in the world. When it's been at its worst and it's been important that I don't shake I've had beta blockers, which do help. People think you're more nervous than you are so I've had to learn to project an aura of calm to offset it!

Report

ShutUpLegs · 27/01/2015 17:56

I am doing some more reading and it looks like the first port of call is beta-blockers if the shaking gets too bad.

Thanks for some reassurance. NK3 ( if I can call you that for short) when was your DD diagnosed? Do your relatives find that it is stress-exacerbated? DD1 is not having a pleasant time at school at the moment and I am now wondering whether this is why we are seeing it now?

Or am I trying to draw conclusions that are not possible.

OP posts:

Report

ShutUpLegs · 27/01/2015 17:58

x-post with TheCountess!

How long have you had it, Countess? Did you have it as a kid and if so, did you find it an issue?

DD1 seems very calm about it and luckily, is a very calm kid in general. Looks like its going to stand her in good stead!

OP posts:

Report

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 27/01/2015 18:01

yes, stress, and even more so, tiredness - is your dd sleeping badly as a result of her troubles?

Report

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 27/01/2015 18:21

I first became aware of it aged 23 when I was living in Germany. Am not entirely sure if that's because it it didn't get bad till then or because in Germany people were constantly commenting on it - even strangers in shops - whereas in England people are generally too polite to say anything! It did worsen over the next few years but hasn't got any worse since having kids. I don't need the beta blockers these days.

Report

ShutUpLegs · 27/01/2015 19:02

We had a full-on Christmas and she definitely was short of sleep over the holidays. I have been enforcing bedtimes ever since the start of term and she usually sleeps deeply and long (DD2 is a whole different story) but I will keep an eye on tiredness levels - thank you for that. This is the kind of thing that the GPs don't tell you but you need to know.