www.TheHopeNet.org<\/p>\n\n\n\n
COVID 19 PANDEMIC STRESS IMPACTS BRAINS OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH ESSENTIAL TREMOR (ET), THE MOST COMMON MOVEMENT DISORDER WORLDWIDE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n How to Recognize Signs and Reduce Stress During COVID-19 Pandemic <\/p>\n\n\n\n March 23, 2020 –\nCentreville, VA – Adults and children diagnosed with Essential Tremor (ET), a\nconstellation of closely related neurological syndromes in which motion control\nis often difficult, may be noticing more difficulty managing their symptoms\nsince the onset of the 24\/7 COVID-19 Pandemic news coverage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cET patients are often not aware they are experiencing chronic stress or that ongoing, prolonged exposure to stressful situations such as the COVID-19 Pandemic can subtly worsen current levels of movement control, increase tremor, making usual levels of medication less effective,\u201d says Peter Muller, Executive Director of the patient education and advocacy association, www.TheHopeNet.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ET affects nearly 10\nmillion Americans, roughly eight times more than Parkinson\u2019s Disease, a motion\ndisorder most people think of when they see ET patients shake. ET is a complex\nhereditary condition that causes tremor in the hands and frequently in the head\nand voice. People with ET shake uncontrollably during most activities of daily\nliving, and this is a source of stress, anxiety and depression. External\nsources of stress, like COVID-19 make matters worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One type of environmental trigger for increased tremor is stress.\nStress has a negative effect on every person but for people with ET, the\nrelease of stress chemicals in the brain can worsen symptoms of motor control\nresulting in tremor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On a good day, people with ET shake under normal circumstances doing\ndaily tasks with varying degrees of movement control. However, given any\nmomentary jolt of stress or chronic stress exposure, the shaking can become\nmore exaggerated. Some people find tremors are so severe they are debilitating,\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe brain doesn\u2019t know the difference between stress and taking an\nappropriate action in response to stress, such as bravery. ETers may find their\nmedications are not as effective and not understand it\u2019s related to prolonged\nexposure and response to the COVID-19 pandemic,\u201d adds Muller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Claudia Testa, a movement disorders neurologist, emphasizes there\nare many positive steps people with ET can take. “People with ET can use\nnon-medication interventions to decrease stress-induced brain reactions. These\ninclude deep breathing techniques, mindfulness, exercise, taking short breaks\nfrom activities impacted by tremor to dial down frustration, and taking in\nimportant COVID-19 pandemic news in small chunks from trusted sources such as\nthe CDC \u2013 that’s the place the White House website links to. Reach out to your\nsupport networks to avoid feeling isolated. Talk to your doctor if you think\nyou may need more medication to help with tremor control, or supportive\ntreatment for managing stress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Muller encourages ET families to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese are difficult times but let\u2019s not let COVID Pandemic get the best of us emotionally,\u201d says Muller. \u201cOur leaders will not be perfect. So let\u2019s not demand that. Everyone at every level is doing their best. Let\u2019s do our best, too. Together we are all strong. COVID-19 is new for everyone. The important message for people with ET is to look and respond to facts not emotions. Remain resourceful and positive. And if you need help with Essential Tremor, come to https:\/\/www.TheHopeNet.org<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n PETER MULLER at hopenet12@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n www.TheHopeNet.org<\/p>\n\n\n\n ###<\/p>\n\n\n\n (more)<\/p>\n\n\n\n STRESS WARNING SIGNS PEOPLE WITH ESSENTIAL TREMOR SHOULD KNOW <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Call your neurologist and\/or primary physician to discuss how you are\nmanaging stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n PETER MULLER at hopenet12@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n www.TheHopeNet.org<\/p>\n\n\n\n ### <\/p>\n\n\n\n (more)<\/p>\n\n\n\n ESSENTIAL STRESS MANAGEMENT TIPS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC <\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n PETER MULLER at hopenet12@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n www.TheHopeNet.org<\/p>\n\n\n\n ###<\/p>\n\n\n\n (end)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"