DEAR DR. GOTT: A neurosurgeon told me that I have a genetic familial tremor. He prescribed Mysoline, 50 milligrams four times a day. Well, either I have become immune to it or it just doesn’t work. Your thoughts, please.
DEAR READER: Familial refers to a hereditary disease or disorder seen in some families and not in others — thus, your genetic tremor. Essential tremor affects millions of people across the United States. It is a disorder of the nervous system that causes involuntary tremor or shaking, primarily seen in the hands, head and eyelids but never the feet or legs. Other signs and symptoms are generally not observed when a person is asleep. It differs from other disorders such as Parkinson’s or disorders that are the result of head trauma.
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