Stroke symptoms:THIS lesser-known side effect could be exacerbated by smoking
STROKE symptoms usually involve a numb arm, slurred speech and a face dropped on one side, but the condition could also cause essential tremor - uncontrollable shaking or trembling.
Stroke symptoms: Essential tremor is a lesser known side-effect
While there are many well known symptoms of a stroke, uncontrollable shaking or trembling could be a lesser known sign.
Called essential tremor, most sufferers experience a trembling, up-and-down movement of the hands.
However, it can also affect the arms, head, eyelids, lips, and even the voice box - causing a shaky voice.
It can be exacerbated by smoking and dramatically reducing alcohol consumption.
Stroke symptoms: Essential tremor can be most noticeable when writing
The disorder affects four out of a hundred adults over 40 years, and is most noticeable when someone tries to write or hold a position.
It is most noticeable when someone tries to do something, such as write, or hold a position.
The disorder affects four out of a hundred adults above 40 years old.
Symptoms usually get more severe over time.
Essential tremor is different from the normal, everyday tremors that most people get when carrying out daily activities.
Stroke symptoms: Holding a position may make essential tremor appear more noticeable
With this condition, tremors are more severe and worsen over time.
It may become such a problem that carrying out everyday activities can become difficult.
There are certain things that may temporarily increase a tremor.
These include tiredness, smoking, caffeine, being very hot or cold, and taking certain medications, such as antidepressants and treatments for asthma.
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Stroke symptoms: Very cold temperatures can exacerbate essential tremor
There is no cure for essential tremor, but in half of people medication can be used to reduce symptoms.
In rare cases, surgery can be performed.
It is thought that essential tremor could be inherited, with research suggesting it may be passed on by a faulty gene.
There are a number of conditions which may cause it too, such as overactive thyroid, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, dystonia, stroke and peripheral neuropathy.
It may also be triggered by stopping or reducing alcohol intake if you have become dependent.