Tremors, symptoms and CMT

July 13, 2002

I don't have tremors, but many CMTers do.

" Essential tremor is present in 30-50% of CMT patients, "

What is a tremor?

Tremor is a rhythmic, involuntary muscular contraction characterized by

oscillations (to-and-fro movements) of a part of the body. The most common of

all involuntary movements, tremor can affect various body parts such as the

hands, head, facial structures, vocal cords, trunk, and legs; most tremors,

however, occur in the hands. Tremor often accompanies neurological disorders

associated with aging. Although the disorder is not life-threatening, it can

be responsible for functional disability and social embarrassment.

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My maternal grandmother was assumed to be a hypochondriac, but looking back I

know she had CMT and I feel sad that everyone, including her doctors, doubted

her complaints.

My mom hid her physical problems from everyone when she could, but when she

finally went to her doctor to find out why she was getting so weak he didn't

believe her either, and told her she needed more exercise. She was in her

late 70s, and that was NOT what she needed. She had worked very hard all her

life and was not slowing down voluntarily. She passed away at age 86 thinking

her paralysis (nurses term) was her own fault. I still feel bad about that.

She didn't have tremors, however.

It's very easy to assume a CMTer is malingering because weakness, fatigue and

pain are not visible or easy to measure. Now my family has had enough

experience watching CMT progress that they don't question my symptoms. I'm

fortunate. Also, having access to the internet for research as well as for

talking with other CMTers helps tremendously.

Kat

Seattle USA

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