Neurological condition that affects 10 million Americans to be discussed at health education teleconference

Lenexa, Kan. (PRWEB)January 26, 2016

The International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) will host its first call in a new, free educational teleconference series focusing on a different topic each session on the life-altering neurological condition called essential tremor (ET). The teleconference call will take place on Thursday, March 3 at 4pm CST/ 5pm EST/ 3pm MST/ 2pm PST. Experts in ET care and research will provide up-to-date information in a teleconference format followed by a question-and-answer period. Registrations are limited and required. More information and registration is available at 888.387.3667 or http://www.essentialtremor.org/seminars.

The IETF has teamed-up with world-class neurologists and experts to host a one-hour call featuring presentations by doctors on the diagnostic process and treatment options. Participants simply call in to the number provided at registration and hear experts discuss the latest news on a variety topics involving ET from the comfort of their home. No computer or Internet access is needed. Additional teleconference dates will be announced at a later date. Speakers include:

  • Kelvin L. Chou, MD – Movement Disorders Neurologist; Thomas H. and Susan C. Brown Early Career Professor; Associate Professor, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery; Co-Director, STIM (Surgical Therapies Improving Movement) Program University of Michigan Medical School
  • Arif Dalvi, MD, MBA - Movement Disorders Neurologist; Director, Comprehensive Movement Disorders Center Palm Beach Neuroscience Institute (pbni.com); Tenet Florida Physician Services.
  • Facilitator Patrick McCartney; IETF Executive Director

"By launching this new teleconference series, the IETF hopes to reach a wider audience we haven’t been able to reach before through our events; including those in more rural areas and those who are not as computer savvy to access our website," IETF Executive Director Patrick McCartney said. "This teleconference is just one way the Foundation actively works to create greater awareness of the condition, fund critical, ground-breaking scientific research and offer support to those affected by this life-altering condition."

ET, which affects nearly 10 million people in the U.S., is the most common neurological movement disorder, but is frequently misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease. The condition is often characterized by rhythmic, involuntary and uncontrollable shaking of the hands and arms during movement, making daily tasks such as eating, drinking and writing difficult if not impossible. Sometimes ET can also affect the head, voice, legs and trunk. At this time there is no cure for essential tremor.

About The International Essential Tremor Foundation:
Headquartered in Lenexa, KS, and founded in 1988, the International Essential Tremor Foundation is the leading organization in the world dedicated to those affected by essential tremor. The mission of the IETF is to fund research that will find the cause of essential tremor and lead to better treatments and a cure, increase awareness about ET, and provide educational materials, tools and support to healthcare providers, the public, and those directly affected by ET.

The IETF has distributed nearly $1 million in research grants, to fund numerous promising studies, in the search for the cause of ET. The Foundation has hosted numerous community awareness events across the U.S. to provide those affected with the basic knowledge necessary to become their own advocate when seeking treatment. And, the IETF also provides assistance to a vast network of support groups around the world. To learn more about essential tremor and the IETF mission, visit the IETF website at http://www.essentialtremor.org.