Essential Tremor
• Definition
· Essential Tremor is a tremor that is not the result from a known neurologic disease such as Parkinson’s Disease or Dementia with Lewy body disease.
· An Essential Tremor is an involuntary rhythmic movement, usually a to-and-fro movement, of one or more parts of the body.
• Overview
· Essential Tremor is the most common movement disorder, and affects about three out of every 1,000 each year.
· Essential Tremor is not associated with other neurologic findings such as “cogwheel”.
· Essential Tremor is usually associated with a positive family history of tremor and usually lessens with alcohol use.
· Essential Tremor most often occurs in the hands.
· Essential Tremor usually starts between ages 35 to 45 years of age.
• Complications
Difficulty with drinking liquids, writing, fine motor skills.
• Treatment
Medications used for Essential Tremor include:
Primidone (Mysoline)
Propranolol
Benzodiazepines such as Xanax
Anti sezure type medications such as Gabapentin and Topiramate (Topamax)
Botulinum toxin injection
References
Movement Disorders: Neurologic Principles and Practice, 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill, 2004.
Neurology 2005;64:2008. [PMID: 15972843]
Am Fam Physician. 2003;15;68(8):1545. Review. [PMID: 14596441]
Posted on August 27, 2009
