March is Essential Tremors Month

What is the Definition of Essential Tremor:
Essential tremor is a neurological condition that mostly causes a rhythmic trembling of the hands while performing a task such as eating, writing, dressing, drinking or when holding a posture such as with the arms outstretched in front of the body. The tremor can also affect the head, voice, legs and trunk.

Essential tremor is a common movement disorder, an action tremor, meaning that the involuntary shaking increases when you move and try to use your hands.  

Although Essential tremor is less well known than Parkinson’s Disease, it affects many more Canadians; about 3% of the population.  It shares many symptoms with Parkinson’s Disease, but unlike Parkinson’s Disease it frequently affects the head and voice.

Essential tremor progresses slowly with symptoms often appearing in a person’s 40’s where delicate movements, such as threading a needle becomes difficult.  As you age the tremor becomes more troublesome – for example, making it difficult to use utensils, drinking from a cup or holding a pen to write a letter.

BIOS Medical offers a remarkable spoon, fork and spork for people with essential tremor.  “Liftware Steady” utilizes a tiny on-board computer that distinguishes unwanted hand motion from the intended movement.  Two small motors move the device in the opposite direction and the results are truly amazing.

Worry less about spilling and enjoy your meal!  

Liftware is a stabilizing hand utensil that was designed to help people with hand tremors or limited hand and arm mobility retain dignity, confidence and independence in their daily lives.  Liftware Steady electronically stabilizes so the attached utensil shakes 70%* less than your hand.  You can use Liftware Steady as a soup spoon, everyday spoon, or fork.  Advanced sensors, motors, and an on-board computer work to actively detect and counteract your tremor.  The battery lasts for at least one hour of continuous use (approximately 3 meals) on a single charge. 

Author: Jennifer Hammond

Product Manager for BIOS Medical

References:

  1. https://www.essentialtremor.org/awarenesstools/
  2. https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/essential-tremor-health-surgery-clinical-trial-brain-disease-1.3732875
  3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/essential-tremor-and-how-to-manage-it

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published.