Heida, Sophieke (2024) “ An explorative cross-sectional observational study on the differences in quality of life between alcohol sensitive and resistant essential tremor patients: differences in perceived health status and hobbies ”. thesis, Medicine.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Introduction: Essential tremor, a common movement disorder, impacts patients’ daily functioning. Essential tremor patients with tremor-related social deficits report a lower quality of life. Propranolol is the first-line treatment, yet alcohol appears more effective in temporarily reducing tremor amplitude, benefiting approximately half of the patients. This study aims to explore the difference in quality of life between alcohol sensitive and resistant patients. The hypothesis is that alcohol sensitive individuals can use alcohol, when socially acceptable, as an escape-drug, leading to higher quality of life. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study was the alcohol sensitivity determined by the home test developed by Knudsen et al. and the quality of life by the Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire (QUEST). Results: 18 essential tremor patients were included (14 sensitive, 4 resistant), showing no significant difference in self-reported quality of life (81.0 SD 14.6, 50-100 vs 70.0 IQR 4.0, 70-75, p=0.067) and QUEST summary index (9.8 IQR 22.7, 2.2-35.6 vs 19.3 SD 9.4, 10.3-31.7, p=0.288). However, objectively sensitive patients reported significantly higher health status (85.0 IQR 13, 30-100 vs 63.8 SD 19.7, 35-80, p=0.019) and lower discontent with hobbies (0 IQR 0, 0-50 vs 50.0 SD 49.1, 0-100, p=0.015). Discussion: These preliminary findings, which should be interpreted cautiously, help to support the hypothesis that objective alcohol sensitivity has protective effects on the wellbeing of this group. To draw more definitive conclusions robust studies are warranted.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Koning – Tijssen, Marina de and Stouwe, Madelein van der |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Oct 2025 12:50 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Oct 2025 12:50 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3835 |
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