Various conditions can cause shaky hands, and there are millions of patients across the globe suffering from this condition. In most cases, the primary cause of shaky hands in elderly people is essential tremors. This condition is generally known as hand tremor, and most of the time, this is irreversible but not a life-threatening condition. Mild hand tremors can also be a warning sign of some degenerative neurological conditions.
Physicians or neurologists may suggest one or multiple modalities to ease symptoms of tremors. Some of the common suggestions explained by Doctor Joon Faii Ong London are:
- Using heavy objects – Instead of the lightweight and delicate items of daily usage like glassware, plates, etc., it is advised to use heavier objects which will make it easier for them to manage.
- Usage of specially designed tools and utensils – These are meant to have a better grip and control. There are specially designed pencils, pens, spoons, forks, and utensils for people with shaky hands.
- Wearing extra weight on arms – Wear some wrist weights will help put some extra weight on the arm and help control it much easier.
Along with these, some types of medical interventions are also being used to treat hand tremors like medications, surgical treatment, deep brain stimulation, thalamotomy procedure, etc. Tremors may occur constantly or randomly and also vary in terms of severity.
GyroGlove for hand tremors
A UK startup has lately designed a mechanical glove for tremor patients to help ease the impact of hand tremors and gain more control. Many trials and research on this glove have shown that it significantly helps people with tremors to overcome the debilitating impact of essential tremors and regain their hand control. There is a built-in gyroscope, which helps to avoid the effect of essential tremors.
Working on this wearable device is very simple, and it can help more effectively in controlling tremors by avoiding the medical side effects and the complications associated with surgery. Dr. Michael S. Okun, the medical director at National Parkinson Foundation, also certified the utility of GyroGlove as it is now the most effective mechanical solution to control hand tremors, whereas many other similar devices fall short of expectations, especially in case of severely disabling hand tremors.
Gyroscopes are discs that spin, and this technology is mostly used in aerospace technology. You can also see the same principle being used in toy tops for kids. It can conserve angular momentum and stay upright in a plane of motion. With this effect, the gyroscope can counter any other incoming force in other directors and regain steadiness quickly and proportionately.
GyroGear, the makers of GyroGlove, had put in a significant amount of research and studies for the same, and they have also previously built elastic weights, bands, springs, and electromagnetic-based shock absorbers. They also made some electric nerve stimulators, shock absorbers based on electromagnetic technology, soft robotics devices, etc., to identify which material and technology may offer the best solution for this device. After trying out various such combinations, Doctor Joon Faii Ong London found out that gyroscopes can be the best available option for GyroGlove to ensure maximum effectiveness, reliability, and simplicity.