Tufts Doctor Treats Ozzy Osbourne

British musician Ozzy Osbourne will undergo treatment for a nervous tremor, says his doctor, a Tufts professor.

Los Angeles [10-15-03] Due to the worsening of a nervous tremor, British musician Ozzy Osbourne has decided to cancel his European tour scheduled for this fall. According to his doctor – a professor at Tufts’ School of Medicine – Osbourne’s condition, while not chronic, will prevent him from performing until next year.

“Dr. Allan Ropper, the chairman of the neurology department at Tufts University and Osbourne’s doctor, said tests had showed Osbourne did not have Parkinson’s disease,” reported BBC News, debunking rumors that the rock star suffered from the debilitating disease.

For the last three weeks, the former Black Sabbath singer has undergone tests for an involuntary shuddering which Osbourne said almost destroyed his life.

“[The tremor has become] markedly worse over the last two years,” Osbourne – who found renewed popularity with the MTV show “The Osbournes” – told Reuters.

According to Ropper, who is in charge of Osbourne’s treatment, the singer’s tremors can be treated.

“[His condition is] coming under control with medication,” Ropper -- who practices at Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, a Tufts-affiliated hospital -- told the BBC.

While his condition may improve, the Tufts doctor said that complications will make it difficult for Osbourne to perform.

“Unfortunately, one of the side effects of the medication is dry mouth, which greatly impairs the voice,” the Ropper told the BBC.

The side effects are not expected to last long, but they will interfere with the singer’s tour – which had been scheduled to begin in Dublin on October 22.

“This problem usually subsides after three to four weeks, but the downside is that this will definitely affect Mr. Osbourne’s ability to sing at this time,” said the Tufts doctor.