Essential tremor

Alternative names:

tremor - essential

Symptoms:

• tremors
  • may be occasional (sporadic), temporary (episodic),or occurring at intervals (intermittent)
  • occur at a rate of about 6 to 10 tremors per second (when tremors are occurring)
  • may affect the head, hands, arms, eyelids, or other muscles
  • does not usually affect the lower body
  • may not affect both sides of the body equally

• a shaking or quivering sound to voice
• head nodding
• worsening with voluntary movement or emotional stress
• disappearing during sleep

Signs and tests:

Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of the patient's history, and an examination that reveals tremors on voluntary movement and no other abnormalities.

No other tests may be required. However, testing may rule out other causes of tremors such as excessive caffeine, alcohol withdrawal, medication use, hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, or other disorders. Laboratory tests and a head CT scan, MRI, X-rays, or other tests are usually normal if they are performed.