Essential tremor

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Essential tremor
Spiral drawing of a patient with essential tremor
Synonyms	Benign essential tremor, familial tremor
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Tremor of the hands, arms, head, voice, or other body parts
Complications	N/A
Onset	Typically after age 40
Duration	Long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown, possibly genetic
Risks	Family history
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis, neurological examination
Differential diagnosis	Parkinson's disease, dystonia, thyroid disease
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Beta blockers, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, deep brain stimulation
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Affects about 1% of the population
Deaths	N/A

Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder that causes a rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, voice, legs or trunk. It is often confused with Parkinson's disease and is one of the most common neurological diseases.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of essential tremor is the uncontrollable shaking or trembling of the body parts. The tremors typically worsen when the hands are being used (kinetic tremor), and reduce significantly when at rest. The tremors can be aggravated by emotional stress, fatigue, caffeine or temperature extremes.

Causes

The exact cause of essential tremor is unknown. However, it is believed to be caused by electrical changes in the brain that send abnormal signals out to the muscles. Some studies suggest that the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls muscle movements, does not work correctly in patients with essential tremor.

Diagnosis

Essential tremor is diagnosed based on medical history, neurological examination, and ruling out other conditions. The doctor may perform a physical exam and ask questions about the patient's family history of tremors.

Treatment

There is no cure for essential tremor. Treatment options primarily consist of medication and/or surgical therapy. Medications, such as beta blockers or anti-seizure drugs, can help manage the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.

Prognosis

While essential tremor is not life-threatening, it can significantly affect a person's quality of life, especially if the tremors become severe.

Research

Research is ongoing to find more effective treatments and a cure for essential tremor. Current research avenues include studying the genetic factors that may contribute to this condition and exploring new treatment options.

Images

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  Propranolol

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  Primidone metabolites

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  MRI-guided HIFU for essential tremor

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  Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation

See also

• Neurological disorders
• Parkinson's disease
• Cerebellum

References

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