Mechanical suppression of essential tremor.

This paper describes a new treatment for essential tremor. A wearable orthosis, which can be adapted to each configuration of each joint of the upper limb, is able to apply effective dynamic force between consecutive segments of the upper limb and change its biomechanical characteristics. The orthosis is controlled by a computer with a dedicated software application that distinguishes between real time tremor and voluntary movement. The wearable orthosis is able to detect position, rate and acceleration of rotation of the joint by means of a chip gyroscope. This technology was evaluated in six patients suffering from essential tremor. The technique is non invasive and represents an alternative to medication and deep brain stimulation.