DEAR READER: While there is a genetic tendency, no one knows why tremors exist; however, they represent an abnormal communication between specific areas of the brain.

Causes can include Parkinson’s disease; stroke; low blood-sugar levels; thyroid abnormalities; some medications, such as those for cardiac issues; tricyclic antidepressants; decongestants; and breathing issues. Drinks that contain caffeine are also known to cause tremor, as is stress, anxiety and fatigue. Essential and familiar tremors can be suppressed by consuming alcoholic beverages, but this is not a desirable remedy.

Symptoms of essential tremor begin gradually, can be aggravated by emotional stress and temperature extremes, and differ from Parkinson’s because they happen when a person’s hands, head and voice are being used. Parkinson’s tremor, in contrast, tends to occur when the hands are at rest, without involvement of the head or voice.

If treatment is required — and it isn’t in all cases — tranquilizers, antiseizure medications, beta blockers ordinarily prescribed for hypertension and Botox injections might be prescribed. Alternative treatment includes massage, hypnosis, acupuncture and relaxation techniques, such as tai chi or yoga. One consideration is 100 milligrams of grape-seed extract and 50 micrograms of vitamin B50.

B12 fights anemia and nerve damage, and is said to reverse the symptoms of Bell’s palsy. If it helped your father’s tremor, he might consider the monthly injection once again. In any event, I would suggest that you speak with his physician to determine whether his tremor is benign or has an underlying cause. In that way, you will know whether to lean toward something as complex as Parkinson’s or whether he might consider alternative remedies.

To provide related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Parkinson’s Disease” and “Compelling Home Remedies.” Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order for each report payable to Newsletter. Mail it to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title(s) or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

I had been riding near an open window on our bus and woke up the next morning with partial facial paralysis (drooping cheek, mouth and more). My father had died of a stroke a few years before and some of his symptoms were similar so I became worried. Our tour director immediately took me to a doctor in the town we had spent the night in where I was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy.

It was explained to me that if I left it untreated, the affected nerve might die and cause a permanent drooping and weakness. I was then given a massive dose of vitamin B12 by injection. The doctor suggested to me that I have two more shots at six day intervals which I did. Within six weeks, the symptoms were completely gone.

The following year, almost to the day, the same thing happened. This time, however, I had been sitting near a window air conditioning unit at work. Upon waking the next morning, I found that my face had the same partial drooping and weakness.

I went to my primary care physician who wasn’t very concerned. He suggested it was a temporary thing and would probably go away in time which was quite the contrary of what the Italian doctor had told me. When I related my previous experience, my doctor indicated that he had never heard of such a thing but agreed to give it a try. So, on my instruction, he gave me the three shots, each six days apart and was somewhat amazed when the symptoms disappeared in about six weeks.

In reviewing this with some doctor friends and other medical personnel, none seemed to have heard of this treatment, yet the Italian physician made a very quick diagnosis and treatment of the Bell’s palsy as if it were common knowledge in his area.

Do Italian doctors know something that American physicians do not in regard to treating this condition?

DEAR READER:
Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes partial facial paralysis and weakness. It can occur at any age but rarely affects those over 60 or under 15. It is important, once the facial paralysis or weakness has been discovered, to be seen immediately by a physician or hospital emergency room to ensure the symptoms are not due to a stroke.

Symptoms include the sudden onset or paralysis or weakness on one side of the face, loss of taste, headache, pain in, in front of, or behind the ear on the affected side, changes in the amount of tears and saliva produced, facial drooping and difficulty making facial expressions, and more.

The cause of Bell’s palsy is nerve damage. On each side of the face, there is a narrow tunnel of bone through which a nerve passes. These nerves control the facial muscles on each side of the face. When either of the nerves become inflamed or swollen, it can be pinched by the bone. The pressure can then damage the protective covering over the nerve leading to poor or absent communication between it and the facial muscles.

There are several reasons why this facial nerve can become pinched. The most common cause is the herpes simplex virus (colds sores or genital herpes). Other known viruses include herpes zoster (chicken pox and shingles), Epstein-Barr (mononucleosis), and cytomegalovirus (mono-like syndrome). It has also been linked to Lyme disease, pregnancy, diabetes and upper respiratory infections.

Most individuals will recover from Bell’s palsy within one to six months without treatment, depending on the severity of symptoms. For more severe or prolonged symptoms, your physician may recommend physical therapy, prescription medications or even alternative therapies.

Currently there are two types of prescription medications used to treat Bell’s palsy, but study results have been mixed. Corticosteriods, such as prednisone, can reduce swelling and inflammation which, for some, can lead to improvement. Antiviral drugs, such as Famvir, may be given to those with known viral infections. Physical therapy to massage and exercise the facial muscles can reduce the extent of weakness and paralysis which can reduce the risk of developing permanent damage to the muscles.

Alternative therapies such as biofeedback, acupuncture, relaxation techniques and vitamin therapy (B12, B6 and zinc) have proven successful in reducing symptoms and duration of Bell’s palsy for some individuals.

I am not sure that Italian doctors know something about the condition we do not know, however, I believe they may simply be more accepting of alternative therapies. American doctors are a bit more skeptical, which can be both a blessing and hindrance, depending on the situation. In terms of Bell’s palsy, I don’t see anything wrong with vitamin therapy. Even if it does not work, it is safe and chances are, recovery will take place on its own anyway.

DEAR READER:
Vitamin B6 is an extremely important water soluble vitamin required for more than 100 enzymes associated with protein metabolism. Our nervous and immune systems require the vitamin to function properly, it helps make hemoglobin and is needed for the conversion of an amino acid known as tryptophan to niacin within the body. It helps maintain blood sugars and convert stored carbohydrates and other nutrients to sugar when inadequate calories are consumed.

B6 is found in many foods, including fortified breakfast cereals, salmon, tuna, pork, chicken, peanut butter, beans, bananas, and many vegetables. In fact, ¾ cup of fortified breakfast cereal alone contains 100% of the recommended daily allowance. Therefore, a proper B6 balance in the system is most often found through diet alone

Deficiency is rarely seen but can occur in individuals who have extremely poor diets. Signs include depression, confusion, glossitis (painful tongue), and dermatitis. Since some of the symptoms mentioned can also result from medical conditions unrelated to a B6 deficiency, any issues should be discussed with a physician to determine the cause and the most appropriate medical care to be administered.

Alcoholics and older adults are more likely to have inadequate B6 intake because of their limited dietary intake. Alcohol can also lead to the destruction of B6 within the body.

Some controversy surrounds B6 therapy. For example, the vitamin has been used for a number of years for carpal tunnel syndrome, even though there are no scientific studies available to indicate its effectiveness. Amounts of 100 mg per day are the upper tolerable limit recommended for adults.

It has been used for symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), despite any known evidence to support significant benefits with its use. In fact, one study found that neuropathy (nerve damage) was present in almost 40% of those tested who took B6 for PMS. Oddly enough, this could be the result of too much B6 present in the system.

It would appear you are adequately controlled with your daily supplement. I would recommend you not rock the boat by making any changes, but would suggest you have your levels tested on a periodic basis. Your physician can monitor your numbers and make appropriate recommendations if necessary.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Fads: Vitamins and Minerals”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

They work great! My hair has started to come back thicker, stronger and healthier than before. I also use TreSemme hair spray and have found that it is not sticky like other products and doesn’t alter the beneficial effects of the shampoo and conditioner. I would like to thank the reader for the suggestion and you for being brave enough to print it in your column. Thank you!

DEAR READER:
I have had several letters similar to yours from readers who have success with the TreSemme products. Like everything else, it does not work for everyone but thankfully there are other options. Other seemingly effective treatments (based on the letters I have received) include taking a daily folic acid supplement or B-complex tablet. Folic acid is one of the B-vitamins which may explain why the B-complex is also effective.

Hair loss, especially in women, can be devastating and many hair replacement techniques are costly. Simple home remedies are more preferable and I am happy to say work for many.

DEAR READER:
B vitamins are essential to help release energy from carbohydrates, fat and protein. I can understand why your physician cannot give an explicit answer to your question because the human body stores several years worth of B12, so a deficiency is quite rare unless a condition such as pernicious anemia or a strict vegetarian or vegan diet leads to a deficient state. B12 is also harmless in larger quantities (up to 1000+ mcgs) and is given as an energy boost to some individuals, (working more as a placebo). B6 is obtained from diet or through supplements. The recommended daily allowance is 1.5 mg per day. You don’t indicate if your have dietary restrictions, although you purchased a vegetarian supplement. Without knowing this, I cannot determine if you even need supplements or if you are obtaining adequate amounts through your diet.

I can only recommend that when taking complete B complex vitamins or any other supplement, be guided by the recommendations on the label since packaging by different manufacturers can vary. Centrum Silver has 100% of the daily recommended value of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, 125% of folic acid, 150% of B6 and 417% of B12 in each tablet.