Tech Vs Tremors: Digital Health Tools For Tremor Management

Understanding Tremors and Their Impact

Tremors, involuntary movements that may appear insignificant to outsiders, can profoundly affect the daily lives of individuals experiencing them. These tremors can disrupt essential activities like eating, dressing, and writing, leading to social anxiety and self-consciousness. In severe cases, tremors can even impact work and driving, compromising autonomy.

The Prevalence of Tremors

Estimates suggest that about 1% to 5% of the population experiences essential tremors, with prevalence increasing with age. These involuntary muscle contractions can manifest as benign physiological tremors or indicate more complex neurological conditions, affecting individuals of all ages.

Non-Invasive Technologies for Tremor Management

Various digital health tools are available to assist individuals with tremors. These tools offer innovative solutions to help manage tremors effectively and improve quality of life.

Wearable Sensors for Tremor Detection

Devices like the Kinesia line from Great Lake Neurotechnologies track tremor frequency, amplitude, and patterns. This data aids in understanding tremor severity and customizing treatment for patients.

Bracelet-Based Tremor Suppressive Devices

Bracelets such as Cala kIQ use vibration therapy or mild electrical stimulation to disrupt nerve signals causing tremors. These devices offer non-invasive support for tremor management.

Glove-Based Tremor Suppressive Devices

Wearable gloves like GyroGlove and SteadiTwo utilize sensors and motors to provide counter-movements to tremors, enhancing stability and motor control in individuals with tremors.

Orthosis for Tremor Suppression

Custom-fitted orthotic devices like those from Readi-steadi provide support and stability to limbs, restricting tremor-prone movements while allowing intended motion for tremor management.

Stabilizing Tray for Tremor Suppression

Trays with built-in mechanisms like springs or electronic stabilization assist individuals with tremors in carrying items securely, enhancing independence in daily activities.

Stabilizing Spoon/Utensils for Tremor Suppression

Specialized eating utensils with tremor-cancellation technology or unique designs help individuals with tremors eat without spilling food, promoting independence during meals.

PC Mouse Control and Computer Aids

Devices like Rollermouse and software such as SteadyMouse are designed to assist users with tremors in navigating computers, offering tailored solutions for tremor management.

Devices for Parkinson’s Patients

Various wearable devices like PD Monitor and Parkinson’s KinetiGraph cater to Parkinson’s patients, providing monitoring and movement analysis to enhance care and symptom management.

Future of Digital Health Solutions for Tremors

While still emerging, digital health solutions for tremors show immense potential in revolutionizing patient care. With increased recognition and funding, these technologies have the power to transform symptom management and enhance the quality of life for individuals with tremors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people with advanced cancers use alternative methods of treatment?

Cancer patients are often faced with many challenges when they try to find ways to cope with their illnesses. Patients may feel hopeless or helpless, and might lose all hope of recovery. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.

In addition, conventional treatments are often not effective against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.

Cancer patients sometimes choose complementary medicine instead of chemotherapy because they think it will be easier to handle side effects. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.

There are also other reasons.

Some patients believe that natural remedies can be used to prevent a repeat.

Many people believe natural remedies are a way to improve your quality of life.

Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.

For those concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy, natural remedies can be used as first-line therapy.

What is holistic medicine opposite?

Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that considers all aspects of the human body and its emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental dimensions. Holistic medicine is based on the idea that every illness has multiple causes. It requires a combination therapy to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine. They believe prevention is better than treatment. To help patients achieve optimal health, they work closely with them.

They look for the root causes of disease to prevent them from returning. Holistic physicians look at the whole person and not just the physical organs. They refer to the whole of being as “the entire body.”

This means that they look beyond the skin and treat the body holistically. The doctor may suggest lifestyle and diet changes. He may also recommend yoga and meditation, herbal supplements or massage, acupuncture treatment, or alternative medicine.

Is holistic medical safe?

Holistic Medicine is not as dangerous as you may think, but several risks are involved when using this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These side effects must be understood and weighed against the potential benefits of alternative treatments like acupuncture.

There are no cases of death from holistic medicine.

Before you start any new treatment, make sure to talk with your doctor.

Statistics

In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)

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What are the 4 types of complementary or alternative medicine?

The main categories of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are mind-body, natural products as well as manipulative therapies. Mind-body Medicine includes Tai Chi, Reiki (tai chi), yoga, massage therapy, homeopathy and aromatherapy. Natural products include herbs and vitamins, minerals as well as dietary supplements. Manipulative therapy includes physical manipulation, such as chiropractic and osteopathic care, acupuncture and therapeutic exercise. Energy healing involves techniques such as prayer and visualization.

CAM refers to a variety of health practices that are not in line with Western medical models. These practices vary widely regarding how much scientific evidence supports them, whether they involve drugs or surgery, and which conditions they treat. Some CAM doctors also provide diagnostic testing (e.g. Blood tests) and can prescribe medication. Others do both.

Each category has many subcategories in addition to the four main categories. For example, within mind-body medicine, there are relaxation techniques, mindfulness training, guided imagery, self-hypnosis, yoga, qigong, Tai chi, deep breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, stress management, biofeedback, and visualization. Natural products include nutritional supplements as well botanical medicines, homeopathic treatments, essential oils and herbal preparations. Manual, movement or traction can be used to manipulate the body. There are also spiritual healing methods such as prayer, faith healing, and energy healing.

Many CAM treatments can be used to treat symptoms and not the cause. Some chronic diseases might be relieved by CAM. If used appropriately, CAM can complement conventional treatment options.

There are many reasons people use CAM.

To improve their overall wellness.
To manage a condition.
To reduce discomfort or pain
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

Some people prefer CAM over conventional medicine because they feel it provides more control over the health of their bodies. Some people believe that CAM has less side effects. Others prefer CAM to stay away from prescription medications. Some prefer not taking prescription medications if at all possible. Others seek out CAM after having bad experiences with traditional medicine.

Some people who use CAM want to know what they are doing before they try something new. Many CAM users want to know more about the safety of CAM. Others rely on word of mouth from friends and family members.

Although CAM is often viewed negatively by society, most users report positive feelings toward CAM. People who use CAM are more happy and healthier than those who do not. This holds true regardless if you are of any gender, race or ethnicity.

Nearly all Americans use some kind of complementary and/or alternative medicine. 95% of adults use CAM at least once in their lives. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NCCIH, estimates that approximately 40 million people visited CAM providers in 2010.

The NCCIH estimates that 10% of the U.S. population is treated by chiropractors or massage therapists.

The American Medical Association renewed its support for integrative medicines in 2013. It acknowledged that integrative medicine should be integrated into the clinical practice of physicians to best meet the needs and expectations of patients.

The Institute of Medicine published a landmark study in 2007 titled “Releasing Constraints – Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare” which concluded that “there is no credible evidence of any specific CAM intervention being effective in preventing, treating, and curing cancer.”

CAM continues its popularity despite the fact that it has been proven to be very popular. In 2008, the number of CAM practitioners increased by 8 percent compared to 2007.

A recent study found that almost half of the respondents reported using CAM as part of their primary healthcare regimen.

CAM therapies can include natural products, mind/body practices, manipulative methods, energy healing techniques, exercise, dietary supplementation, and other approaches.

Many CAM treatments are used primarily for pain relief. However, they can also be used to improve mood, sleep quality, stress reduction, and immunity.

Acupuncture can, for example help with chronic back pain, anxiety and depression, improve immune function as well as promote weight loss.

Many CAM treatments are rooted in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Their roots date back thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which originated in China 5,000 years back, has been practiced in China ever since.

TCM has remained an important component in health care even though it was not until the middle of 1800s that Western science became popular.

Today, it’s estimated that more than 70 percent of people in the United States rely on TCM for treatment.

Yoga is another popular CAM treatment. Yoga was founded in India approximately 5000 B.C. It is now accepted all over the world.

Yoga has become increasingly popular with the general public because it offers physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits.

Yoga can be used to reduce stress, improve flexibility, increase strength and help with blood pressure.

Although limited scientific research has been done, yoga may have beneficial effects on sleep33.

Other CAM therapies, such as meditation, homeopathy, aromatherapy, are also becoming more mainstream.

The most widely used CAM today is herbal medicine.

Herbal medicines may include herbs and spices, flowers, seeds or fruits, bark, leaves or roots, as well stems.

These drugs are frequently considered safer than pharmaceutical drugs and are popularly used by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

The American Cancer Society reports that 45% (or more) of those diagnosed with cancer have used alternative medicines during their illness.

The National Institutes of Health has estimated that 60% of patients with breast cancer use CAM. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that around 50% of all cancer survivors reported using CAM.

According to a recent study, 51% cancer survivors have used at the very least one type of CAM.

However, only 8% of these individuals discussed this use with their physicians.

This is a serious problem with healthcare delivery because there is not enough communication between conventional medical practitioners and CAM users.

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