What is Essential Tremor

Essential Tremor is a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking, most commonly affecting the hands, head, and voice during intentional movement. While often confused with Parkinson's disease, Essential Tremor is a distinct condition that typically worsens with action rather than at rest.

What are the primary symptoms of Essential Tremor?

The hallmark of Essential Tremor is an action tremor, meaning the shaking occurs when a person is performing tasks like writing, holding a cup, or using utensils. The tremor may also affect the voice (causing a shaky quality) or the head (causing a "yes-yes" or "no-no" motion). Unlike other movement disorders, Essential Tremor rarely occurs when the muscles are completely relaxed.

How common is Essential Tremor and who does it affect?

Essential Tremor is one of the most common movement disorders worldwide, affecting an estimated 1% to 5% of the global population. While it can occur at any age, it is most frequently diagnosed in individuals over the age of 40. It affects men and women equally, and there are no known geographic or ethnic predilections for the condition.

What causes Essential Tremor?

The exact cause of Essential Tremor remains under investigation, but researchers believe it involves abnormal communication between specific areas of the brain, including the cerebellum, thalamus, and brainstem. Genetic factors play a significant role; approximately 50% of cases are thought to be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning a child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the genetic predisposition.

Key differences from other tremors

• Movement vs. Rest: Essential Tremor occurs during movement; Parkinsonian tremors typically occur at rest.


• Body Distribution: Essential Tremor frequently involves the head and voice, which is less common in Parkinson's disease.


• Progression: While often progressive, Essential Tremor does not typically lead to the severe motor deficits or non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinsonism.

Next steps

• Consult a movement disorder specialist or neurologist for a formal clinical evaluation.


• Keep a symptom diary to track how your tremors affect daily activities, which helps in treatment planning.


• Join our community at DiseaseMaps.org to connect with the 62 members currently sharing their experiences with Essential Tremor.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

References

• NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) - Essential Tremor


• Orphanet: The portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs


• International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF)


• OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) - Essential Tremor 1 (ETM1)