Essential Tremor: Pediatric Onset

About five percent of patients with ET experience symptoms as children. Dr. Keith Coffman, director of the movement disorders clinic at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, talks about the presentation of ET in children. He discusses how the impact of ET differs in children compared to adults, and the best management options.

[@AuthorLindsay]

My son was diagnosed at 15. It was really scary! He has found that eating less sugar and carbs reduces it for him ❤️

[@kareylientz6929]

My mother noticed my ET when I was a toddler. I inherited it from my father and it presented very early for me. I didn't know what I had until my early 30s when I was diagnosed by a neurologist. As a child, the tremor greatly affected my self-confidence as you can imagine. I think young people need help dealing with the psychological issues that ET causes more than the actual daily living issues. Also, I think this condition is widely under reported and misdiagnosed, so we really don't know the exact numbers of people with pediatric onset ET.

[@joannesmall2828]

This is a great video. My son was diagnosed at age 3.

[@erikahernandez9567]

I love how this session gave a well rounded view of ET. The doctor was also very well informed on the school based concerns as well and avenues of accommodations at school. As a school based OT it also helps parents understand what can be done for ET through the school setting!