The Orthostatic Tremor Forum (archive)

Does anyone know if there has been any research done on whether there is any link between adrenaline overload and POT? I've noticed that my tremor is far more manageable when I am well rested and that it is noticeably worse when under stress or tired. I'm wondering whether this is a response of the nervous system to adrenaline. I've recently read a book by Archibald Hart on "Adrenaline and Stress" and am trying to follow some of his suggestions for minimising adrenaline arousal - others may find it quite interesting too. I work in a busy Cardiology Department so do not have a lot of control of my loadings during the day but certainly by reducing my out of work activity level and allowing my body to really relax & recover - I can now stand to shower when not tired.

Hi
i too have noticed my tremor much worse under stress and easier at
night.
It really makes a difference when i am upset or in a situation i am not comfortable with

Jenn: There is no question that every person that suffers from OT (and I might add, it seems all tremor disorders) react more intensely to stress than the average individual. In answer to your question I do not know of "any research done on whether there is a link between adrenaline overload and POT?" However, I personally would like to see more endocrinology studies done with our disorder especially the hormone epinephrine/ adrenaline. Thank you for your input....... Gloria

Thanks for that Gloria - I agree about the need for research - what I've found though is that because (particularly in New Zealand) tremors are dealt with by Neurologists - it seems that they don't necessarily look at the body as a whole - just the nervous system. Maybe we need to get a few endocrinologists on board that will look at the possible link. Might ask a few questions around the hospital here and see if there are any researchers interested in pursuing this.
Jenn

Hi everyone

When I first consulted my doctor regarding the tremor (years before I eventually discovered OT!) I mentioned to him the strong link between stress/adrenaline and the severity of the tremor. He actually sent me to an endocrinologist who carried out various blood tests etc to see if I was over-producing adrenaline and if this was actually causing the tremor. However I was told that everything was normal (with my endocrine system anyway!) and that I needed to go away and learn some relaxation techniques!

Of course learning to relax does in fact help the tremor - as OT sufferers know - and the slightest stress seems to affect the tremor out of all proportion. In this regard I have found that taking Propranalol can help in certain situations. If I know that I have a stressful event to face (from an OT point of view) - such as a social event - I take Propranalol an hour or so before and, in slowing my heart rate, it takes some of the anxiety out of the situation, thus reducing the tremor.

I would be interested to hear of any research that could be carried out on the subject - let's keep searching...

With best wishes to everyone

Lynda

Hi everyone
I was only diagnosed with OT last year (05) by Dr Peter Bain after many years of tremor symptoms when standing. Previous to this I had tried many other routes to try & find out what was going on. One of these therapies was to see a lady who specialised in relaxation and I must say the outcome was quite remarkable, although I do feel some hypnotherapy was also used, she suggested, after I finished my session with her that I go shoppoing & would be fine, which in actual fact I was. Sadly the effects did not last very long and found the treatment very costly. I was wondering if anyone has tried hypnotherapy as a form of treatment & if so did it work for them. Like everyone else my evenings are far better than mornings, there must be a simple answer out there IF ONLY.

Patty