PHI with Essential tremor
How does this condition affect your private health insurance?
Familial tremor, more commonly known as Essential Tremor (ET), is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking, primarily affecting the hands during voluntary movements such as writing, eating, or drinking. It can also affect the head, voice, legs, and trunk. Unlike Parkinson's disease, ET often presents as an action tremor rather than a resting tremor. It is one of the most common movement disorders, often with a genetic component, hence 'familial'. While not life-threatening, it can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life, often progressing in severity over time, making simple tasks challenging.
PKV Risk Assessment
However, some specialized PHI providers may insure you with a surcharge of up to 35%.
Impact on Your Insurance Policy
Duration of Illness (Initial)
Gradual onset, often with subtle symptoms developing over months to years before becoming noticeable.
Duration of Illness (Lifetime)
Chronic and typically progressive throughout a person's lifetime, though the rate of progression varies.
Cost of Treatment (Initial)
Varies; initial diagnostic evaluations and medication trials can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
Cost of Treatment (Lifetime)
Significant; includes ongoing medication (often for life), regular specialist visits, potential physical or occupational therapy, and in severe cases, surgical interventions like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), which can cost tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand euros.
Mortality Rate
Extremely low; essential tremor itself is not a fatal condition.
Risk of Secondary Damages
High probability of functional disability, psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, social phobia), and reduced quality of life due to difficulties with daily activities and social stigma.
Probability of Full Recovery
Very low; essential tremor is a chronic condition with no known cure. Management focuses on symptom control.
Underlying Disease Risk
While 'essential' means without an obvious cause, it's crucial to rule out other conditions like Parkinson's disease, drug-induced tremors, or tremors due to thyroid dysfunction. It can also coexist with other neurological disorders in some individuals.