POTENTIAL TREATMENT FOR TREMOR (OT)

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POTENTIAL TREATMENT FOR TREMOR

It is estimated that up to 75% of people with MS experience tremor.

Essential or intention tremor, which occurs when people attempt to do

or reach for something, is the most common form. A study published in

Neurology, 2004, Vol. 62, pages 122-124, attempted to assess the

safety, tolerability and effectiveness of a low dose of 1-octanol, a

type of ethanol used as a food flavoring, on ET.

Twelve participants with ET received capsules of 1-octanol or

placebo. The intensity of the tremor was measured before treatment

and up to six hours afterward using a device attached to the arm,

which registered movement.

Results showed that one dose of 1-octanol significantly reduced the

intensity of tremor for up to 90 minutes after administration. No

change in tremor was noted in the placebo group. Minimal side effects

were reported.

Although this study was small, these findings suggest a potential

role for the use of 1-octanol in ET. Larger studies are needed to

determine effectiveness, potential side effects, and tolerability.