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Warning-sign checks

Familial essential tremor: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get urgent or emergency help if shaking starts suddenly with facial drooping, one-sided weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, severe loss of balance, confusion, or a sudden severe headache.

    These may indicate a stroke or another acute neurological problem, not typical essential tremor.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Sudden severe shaking with fever, agitation, heavy sweating, a very fast heartbeat, or possible poisoning also requires urgent assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Make a routine appointment for a persistent tremor, even if relatives have similar symptoms.

    Other conditions and medicines can cause shaking, and family history alone does not confirm the diagnosis.

The article also says

Seek a review if:

A known tremor is getting noticeably worse

New stiffness, slowed movement, weakness, numbness, or balance problems appear

Tremor begins after starting or changing a medicine

Symptoms interfere with eating, drinking, work, driving, or self-care

Treatment causes dizziness, faintness, breathing problems, or troublesome weakness

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Familial essential tremor. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.