If your hands start shaking sometimes when you do certain tasks, you may have a condition called essential tremor. The most common movement disorder, essential tremor affects up to 10 million people in the United States. Unlike Parkinson's disease, essential tremor does not lead to other health issues, although it can make certain tasks difficult. The symptoms of essential tremor usually show up between the ages of 40 and 50 and get progressively worse with age. While there is no cure for essential tremor, there are several treatment options available. 

Management Approach

If your symptoms are manageable, you may not have to take medication or undergo any surgical procedures. You may be able to control or manage your symptoms with a few adaptations. For example, if you wear wrist weights while performing tasks that trigger your tremors, you may notice that they are less pronounced. Heavy or weighted everyday objects, such as silverware, can also lessen tremors. If you have issues gripping or holding onto objects, try using objects designed for individuals who have difficulty gripping or controlling their movements. 

Oral Medications

A variety of medications are used to treat essential tremor. The most common drug used to treat shaky hands is propranolol, a beta blocker. Other beta blockers, such as atenolol and sotalol are also used to treat the condition. Certain seizure medications as well as anti-anxiety medications of the benzodiazepine variety may help you manage your symptoms as well. Remember, people respond to medications differently. You may have to try more than one medication before finding what works for you.

Surgical Procedures

If your symptoms are difficult to deal with and if medication does not work, surgery may be an option. There are two types of surgical procedures used to treat tremors: deep brain stimulation and thalamotomy. In DBS, a surgeon places an electrode in the affected part of the brain to control tremors by interrupting the brain signals responsible. The brain signals can also be interrupted by a small cut or lesion in your brain's thalamus. This procedure is called a thalamotomy.

While there is no cure for essential tremor, it can often be managed with one of the above treatment options. Since essential tremor does not cause any other health issues, you may not choose to treat your condition at all until it starts to affect your ability to perform certain daily tasks, such as eating or writing. For more information, contact a neurologist.