Monsignor Kenneth Steffen Compares ET and Parkinson’s Disease

According to the Parkinson's Foundation, approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with this disease every year. Additionally, the latest statistics indicate that men are 1.5 times more likely to be affected. Sometimes, however, Parkinson's disease is connected to other conditions. The most common one that people mistake it for is called Essential Tremor (ET). Although it presents itself through similar symptoms, ET is quite different from the aforementioned disease.

Difference in Distribution

Unlike Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor affects approximately 10 million Americans. This translates to a considerable difference in numbers since ET affects more people in the U.S. than Parkinson's affects worldwide. Another way to interpret it is to consider a city like Pittsburgh. According to the statistics and conversion, there will be approximately 56 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's in Pittsburgh every year. ET, on the other hand, will affect over 9,300 people there. Thus, the percentage difference is very high.

Differences Between the Two

Although tremor is the overlapping symptom for both conditions, it showcases itself differently. First, ET usually begins with a bilateral tremor that affects one's body during some activity. Meaning, they may experience it when they try to write, carry, or move something. Parkinson's Disease presents itself a little differently. First, the tremor will usually be unilateral. As the disease progresses, however, it will move to the other side of the body. Additionally, the tremor is often seen when the person is not engaged in anything. Meaning, being at rest is when the symptoms may become more noticeable.

Tremor Speed, Family History, and Body Parts Affected

Naturally, what someone is doing when their tremor presents itself is not the only differentiating factor. On the contrary, there are many other ways to distinguish between the two. Tremor speed, for instance, could be another sign that indicates which condition is taking place. ET is commonly associated with tremors that are much faster than those in patients with Parkinson's disease.

When visiting a doctor to receive a diagnosis, family history could be another important consideration. This is because Parkinson's Disease rarely affects people who have any family history of the disease. ET, on the other hand, shows itself in patients that are 50 percent more likely to have some family history of this condition. Thus, providing accurate medical information could help one's physician begin a proper treatment.

Additionally, even the body parts that are experiencing symptoms could indicate whether one has ET or Parkinson's. With ET, legs are seldom affected. Instead, someone's symptoms will commonly be localized to their hands, head, and potentially voice. Parkinson's disease, however, almost never affects one's head and voice. Instead, it is frequently seen in the patient's arms and legs.

At-Home Ways to Deal with Either Condition

Although someone's approach to treatment will differ based on the severity of their issue, there are some at-home solutions. The most common one is meditation. According to Monsignor Kenneth Steffen, a Catholic Reverend in Litchfield, Illinois, it is a great way to relax one's body and mind. Additionally, it can help reduce stress and anxiety that could be contributing to how common the symptoms are. As Monsignor Kenneth Steffen further notices, meditation is arguably one of the easiest at-home remedies for physical difficulties. Nevertheless, the importance of a certified professional should never come second to any home-based treatment, claims Monsignor Kenneth Steffen.

Adapting

Unfortunately, there are no cures for either of the two conditions. Until modern medicine makes a breakthrough, patients affected by ET and Parkinson's will have to adapt to their symptoms. This means that another 9,000 people in Pittsburgh, per se, will have to learn to live with repetitive tremors every year. In order to do so, they can discuss treatment options that help mitigate symptoms. Additionally, as time passes, they may be able to anticipate tremors and overcome the surprise factor.