Thread: Essential Tremours

Hmm. It might depend on which bit twitches. More transverse movement is needed with spindle or bowl turning. Might need a bit of actual observation to see what is going on and how it could be minimized or assisted.

Hi Bob, never heard of it so I consulted Dr Google, not good at all. The site i read did list a lot of helpful things, so lets hope the medical fraternity can help you, as it sounds very frustrating. Hopefully someone else can offer you some help.
rgds,
Crocy.

Originally Posted by Oldgreybeard

I have been looking at some images of captive tool rests designed for deep hollowing and wondering whether something similar could be adapted or some other modification to the tool rest might be of assistance.

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions, but I am not ready for a garage sale just yet


Bob

Sorry to hear that Bob and I hope you recover.

In regards to the tool rests for deep hollowing I have the Vermec deep hollowing set which holds the tool so that you cannot have a catch as it is designed to cut on the wrong side, being the up cut.

I'm sure you could adapt that for general scrapers and if you would like to have a look and feel of the system send me a pm and we'll arrange a suitable time.

Peter.

I've had a mild case of this for many years. It's supposed to get worse as one gets older but it hasn't done so except that when I get tired it gets a bit worse than it used to. This makes chainsaw carving a bit tricky - have to take more rests.

Thanks for the comments.
Tea Lady- the twitch is generally horizontally and forward (into the work piece). Unfortunately the randomness of episodes makes observation difficult - at this point.
Peter - I will pm you shortly. Unfortunately there is no cure and no effective treatment. My GP believes it will get worse over the next 6 months or so and that may be good in the sense that it may be possible to predict when twitches are more likely to occur.

Bob

Not good Bob!! Let's hope you can, and will, get over this!

I know from my NPH and subsequent recovery just how frustrating things like this can be.

All the best mate!!!

I sympathise, Bob, and hope you can find a work-around. Not good at all.

I have a very minor version or something similar, too, but it only affects my fingers.
I can't hold a finger above a mouse button or keyboard key for more than about 30 seconds before it involuntarily jerks and clicks the button, usually when I least want it. Doesn't cause any 'real' problems, though, unlike your condition.

Sorry I can't offer any advice.

Edit: I just did a quick bit of reading, never having heard of 'essential tremor' before, and apparently there are a couple of medical options that can produce good results - deep brain stimulation or surgery. If it gets bad enough these could be options worth exploring.

Also, some drugs normally used for heart conditions, (beta-blockers), or epilepsy have been used with success. More possibilities.

Source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/b...sential_tremor

And a bit more info: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neuro...al_tremor.html
(Here it's even suggested that you tie a weight to the affected body part! )

Geez Bob not good news . Sorry I cannot help only sympathise

Originally Posted by Hermit

Edit: I just did a quick bit of reading, never having heard of 'essential tremor' before, and apparently there are a couple of medical options that can produce good results - deep brain stimulation or surgery. If it gets bad enough these could be options worth exploring.

Also, some drugs normally used for heart conditions, (beta-blockers), or epilepsy have been used with success. More possibilities.

Source: Essential tremor | Better Health Channel)

I just had a look at this link - definitely written by bureaucrat or politician !!

"There is no cure for essential tremor. Treatment aims to suppress the involuntary movements, and can include:

• Avoidance of known triggers, such as alcohol or caffeine
  
• Stress management techniques
  
• Some drugs used to treat other medical conditions, such as heart disease (beta blockers) and epilepsy (anticonvulsants). These drugs have been helpful in some cases
• Other drugs, including tranquillisers
• Deep brain stimulation, a surgically implanted device that helps to short-circuit the impulses or brain waves causing the tremor
• Brain surgery to alter the part of the brain causing the tremor has been successful in some cases
• Regular monitoring and observation – if the tremor is mild and doesn’t stop the person from performing their usual activities, this may be the only treatment.

In some cases, alcohol may reduce the tremors. However, this is not a recommended treatment, because long-term consumption of alcohol has significant health risks. "

Note emphasised sentences (my emphasis).

Perhaps I should have a scotch, but that would trigger the "shakes" so then I could have another scotch to reduce the effect. I could drink to that

Thanks for the advice
Bob

Sorry to read of your ailment. I wonder if it's possible to make a sliding tool gate and have a stopper on the tool so you don't have dig ins.
I have something partly set up that came with one of my lathes. It's a hand held copy attachment but could be modified for other tools.

Good to see you still have your sense of humour Bob!!!

Originally Posted by Oldgreybeard

Thanks for the comments.
Tea Lady- the twitch is generally horizontally and forward (into the work piece). Unfortunately the randomness of episodes makes observation difficult - at this point.
Peter - I will pm you shortly. Unfortunately there is no cure and no effective treatment. My GP believes it will get worse over the next 6 months or so and that may be good in the sense that it may be possible to predict when twitches are more likely to occur.

Bob

Bob, the most important thing with problems like this is ask to be refered to a specialist asap, and allways ask for a second opinion. Quite often early intervention can make one hell of a difference.
Rgds,
Crocy.

See a neurologist.

I'd wager they'll put you on tegretol, carbamazapine and/or Dilantin.

Thanks Crocy and Evanism, I have an appointment with the neurologist, but earliest available not until late September.

Regards

Bob