Effect of Hand Tremors on Surgeons

[Primo]

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I have been diagnosed with essential tremor. It is fairly evident if you watch my hands closely, but the severity of it changes. I'm pretty sure this exludes me from pursuing any surgical specialty (which I can live with), but I wanted to see what people who actually know what they are talking about say.

How big of an effect do mild tremors have on a surgeon? Is it even possible for a surgeon to work with tremors? I have heard stories of surgeons having them and working before, but I don't know how realistic it is to ever consider a surgical specialty.

So let me know what you think.

 

[Khirurg]

well, i have seen one VERY successful CT surgeon who shakes quite violently when he operates.

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

I work at a company where we do the majority of preclinical testing in animals for the numerous governmental and private sector organizations.

This involves numerous surgical procedures including the installation of very small telemetry devices in very small animals (mice). I had a tremor when I was growing up and I still think I have it. However, since I have taken over the small animal surgerys the vet surgeon is all over my hands and my surgical capabilities. So much so, that I am beginning to consider it as a potential career path. I understand that animals arent the same as humans but if I can carry out these procedures in minute animals, theres no reason why I cant do it in humans.


What helps me, and actually makes my hands rock steady is refrain from consumption of anything with any trace of caffeine in it.

 

[Primo]

well, i have seen one VERY successful CT surgeon who shakes quite violently when he operates.

Interesting. My doctor told me about a gynecologist surgeon who had a pretty violent essential tremor and he was able to operate very well. So I have heard of such cases before. Nice to see that it is possible.

 

[Primo]

I work at a company where we do the majority of preclinical testing in animals for the numerous governmental and private sector organizations.

This involves numerous surgical procedures including the installation of very small telemetry devices in very small animals (mice). I had a tremor when I was growing up and I still think I have it. However, since I have taken over the small animal surgerys the vet surgeon is all over my hands and my surgical capabilities. So much so, that I am beginning to consider it as a potential career path. I understand that animals arent the same as humans but if I can carry out these procedures in minute animals, theres no reason why I cant do it in humans.


What helps me, and actually makes my hands rock steady is refrain from consumption of anything with any trace of caffeine in it.

Thanks.

I have actually cut out caffeine completely from my diet. I even stopped drinking coca-cola, which was previously my favorite drink. I don't know what effect it would have on me, since I haven't had any since the diagnosis. And I am taking medication for it.

But I have no idea how the tremors would affect a person during surgery. There is also the possibility of progression. While they may be fine now, when I am 40 or 50 it could be different.