How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Tremor

Audience: adult

Tremors are involuntary shaking movements that can affect different parts of the body. Preparing well for a telemedicine visit about tremor can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms better and guide you to the right care. During the visit, you may be asked about when your tremor started, how often it happens, and what makes it better or worse. Telemedicine can often help assess mild or new tremors, provide advice, and recommend further testing or treatment. However, if your tremor is sudden, severe, or comes with other serious symptoms, you may need in-person care urgently. This guide will help you prepare for your telemedicine visit, know what to expect, and understand when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden onset of tremor with weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe tremor causing falls or inability to perform daily activities — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.
• New confusion, vision changes, or loss of balance with tremor — go to emergency services promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild or gradually developing tremors.
• Review of symptoms and medication history related to tremor.
• Providing guidance on home management and when to seek further care.
• Ordering initial laboratory or imaging tests when appropriate.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency evaluation of sudden, severe tremors with neurological symptoms.
• Physical examination requiring detailed neurological testing.
• Immediate treatment for life-threatening causes of tremor.
• Procedures or interventions that require hands-on care.

What is a Tremor?

A tremor is an uncontrollable shaking movement in one or more parts of the body. It can happen when you are resting or moving. Tremors may be caused by many different conditions, including neurological issues, medications, or other health problems.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your visit, write down details about your tremor: when it started, which body parts are affected, how often it happens, and if anything makes it better or worse. Also, list any other symptoms you have and all medications or supplements you take. Find a quiet, well-lit place with a good internet connection for your video call. Have a family member or friend nearby if you need help.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your tremor and overall health. They may ask you to show the tremor on camera or perform simple movements. Based on this, they might suggest tests, treatments, or referrals to specialists. Sometimes, a follow-up visit or in-person exam will be needed.

When to Seek In-Person or Emergency Care

If your tremor starts suddenly, is very severe, or is accompanied by weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, or loss of balance, seek emergency medical care immediately. Also, if your tremor worsens quickly or affects daily activities significantly, an in-person evaluation may be necessary.

Managing Tremors at Home

While waiting for your appointment or treatment, try to reduce stress and avoid caffeine or other stimulants that may worsen tremors. Use supportive devices if needed to help with daily tasks. Follow your healthcare provider's advice carefully.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down when your tremor began and how it has changed over time.
• Note which body parts are affected and how often tremors occur.
• List any other symptoms you have noticed.
• Prepare a list of all medications, supplements, and doses you take.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space with a stable internet connection for your video call.
• Have a family member or friend available to assist if needed.
• Test your device’s camera and microphone before the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider regarding tests or medications.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Monitor your tremor and any new symptoms, noting changes.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support overall neurological health.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my tremor?

Telemedicine can help your healthcare provider gather important information about your tremor and suggest possible causes. However, some diagnoses may require in-person exams or tests to confirm.

What should I do if my tremor gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your tremor worsens or you develop new symptoms like weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking, seek emergency medical care immediately. Otherwise, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Can I show my tremor over video during the telemedicine visit?

Yes, showing your tremor on camera can help your provider assess its characteristics. Try to position your camera so your affected body part is clearly visible during the visit.

Are there treatments for tremors that can be started through telemedicine?

Your provider may recommend starting certain treatments or medications during your telemedicine visit, but some treatments may require in-person monitoring or follow-up.

How can I prepare my home environment to manage tremors?

Using supportive tools like weighted utensils, removing trip hazards, and ensuring good lighting can help manage tremors safely at home. Your provider can give more personalized advice.

Sources

1. Tremor — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Essential Tremor Fact Sheet — National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
3. Neurological Disorders: Public Health Challenges — World Health Organization.
4. Telehealth: Delivering Care Safely During COVID-19 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.