International Essential Tremor Foundation

Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological condition that mostly causes a rhythmic trembling of the hands while performing a task such as eating, writing, dressing, or drinking. (1) Each March the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) hosts a special campaign to raise awareness about essential tremor during National Essential Tremor Awareness Month (NETA). Our goal is to achieve a greater understanding and acceptance of essential tremor. (2) Essential Tremor Research James Parkinson first distinguished essential tremor from other tremor disorders (including the disease that carries his namesake) in 1817. More than 200 years later, there are still many unanswered questions about essential tremor. However, researchers are moving our knowledge forward. It is vital to understand what causes ET in order to develop tailored treatment options and a cure for this life-altering condition. IETF Funded Research Essential tremor (ET) has no cure. If only we understood the cause of ET, then new, tailored treatments could be developed. Each year researchers with an interest in studying the various aspects of essential tremor are encouraged to submit scientific proposals for grant funding from the IETF. To date, your research donations have provided more than $1,350,000 to fund numerous promising studies. (3) Educational Programs The IETF facilitates and shares information on a variety of educational programs to educate patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and the general public about essential tremor (ET). Programs may cover the following topics: the diagnosis of ET, current treatment options, research, support groups, assistive technology, and more.