Familial tremor

Alternative names:

tremor - familial

Symptoms:

• tremors
  • occasional (sporadic), temporary (episodic), or ceasing at intervals (intermittent)
  • a rate of about 6 to 10 tremors per second (when tremors are occurring)
  • affecting 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
• tremors that worsen with voluntary movement and emotional stress
• tremors that disappear 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 with no changes in gait or coordination. There are usually no other abnormalities such as dementia or other changes in mental status or brain function.

No other tests may be required. However, testing may be used to 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, angiography, or other tests are usually normal if they are performed.