Essential Tremors

Home » Essential Tremors » Overview, Incidence and Prevalence, Risk Factors and Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis

Overview

Tremor is involuntary trembling involving a certain part of the body. Essential tremor (ET) is tremor that occurs with purposeful movement (e.g., holding a glass to drink, shaving, writing, or buttoning a shirt). It occurs most often in the hands and head but it also can affect the arms, voice box (larynx), trunk, and legs.

Essential tremor is caused by abnormalities in areas of the brain that control movement and does not occur as the result of disease (e.g., Parkinson's disease). ET usually does not result in serious complications.

Incidence and Prevalence
Essential tremor affects approximately 5 million people in the United States. Incidence is highest in people over the age of 60.

Risk Factors and Causes

Age is a risk factor for essential tremor. ET is more common in people over the age of 60.

There is often a family history of the disorder and approximately 50% of cases have a genetic link. Essential tremor is an autosomal dominant trait that has been linked to gene ETM1 and gene ETM2. Having a parent with the disorder increases the risk.

The cause of essential tremor in people without the genetic mutation is unknown.

Signs and Symptoms

Essential tremor usually develops gradually during middle age or later in life. Symptoms may remain mild or increase in severity over time. Stress, fatigue, anxiety, and hot or cold weather can worsen the disorder. Severe tremor may cause difficulty performing activities of daily living, such as:

• Brushing hair and teeth
• Holding a glass without spilling
• Performing self-care (e.g., getting dressed, shaving, putting on makeup)
• Using eating utensils
• Writing and drawing

Tremor is usually more severe during fine motor activities such as writing or threading a needle and does not occur during rest or sleep. If it occurs in the voice box, speech will be affected.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of essential tremor is based on the observation of symptoms, a thorough medical history, physical examination, and neurological examination. Performance tests, such as asking the patient to write, draw, hold an object, or drink from a glass, help the physician evaluate the tremor.

Differential Diagnosis

Results from blood and urine tests can help the physician rule out other causes such as the following:

• Heavy metal poisoning (usually caused by exposure to lead or mercury)
• Parkinson's disease
• Side effect of medication (e.g., asthma drugs, antidepressants)
• Thyroid disease

Essential tremor is not related to Parkinson's disease. Tremor caused by Parkinson's is more pronounced during rest and usually does not affect the head or voice.

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