The first new treatment for disabling tremors in more than 30 years is available at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville. The treatment, already used successfully in one Mayo Jacksonville patient in clinical trials, uses an implanted, pacemaker-like device to deliver mild, electrical stimulation to block brain signals that cause tremor. The device was approved today by the federal Food and Drug Administration. Tremor is an involuntary, disabling, rhythmic shaking, usually of the hands, arms or head. It is the only symptom of a condition called essential tremor and one of four common symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Essential tremor is the most common neurological movement disorder in the United States.
It afflicts at least one million Americans, most over 45 years old. Although it runs in families, its cause is unknown. Parkinson's is a progressive and degenerative neurological disease that affects about 500,000 Americans. It can get to the point where people can't write or feed themselves. Medications can control tremors, but they don't work for everyone and can lose their effectiveness over time.