Tremor Update

MedlinePlus sent this bulletin at 04/14/2016 01:10 PM EDT

New on the MedlinePlus Tremor page:

Photograph of a model of a human head with words and fiber optics

Genetics Home Reference: fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome

04/13/2016 02:39 PM EDT

Source: National Library of Medicine - NIH

Genetics Home Reference: essential tremor

04/13/2016 02:39 PM EDT

Source: National Library of Medicine - NIH

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Tremor is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

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Summary

Tremors are unintentional trembling or shaking movements in one or more parts of your body. Most tremors occur in the hands. You can also have arm, head, face, vocal cord, trunk, and leg tremors. Tremors are most common in middle-aged and older people, but anyone can have them.

The cause of tremors is a problem in the parts of the brain that control muscles in the body or in specific parts of the body, such as the hands. They commonly occur in otherwise healthy people. They may also be caused by problems such as

Parkinson's disease
Dystonia
Multiple sclerosis
Stroke
Traumatic brain injury
Alcohol abuse and withdrawal
Certain medicines

Some forms are inherited and run in families. Others have no known cause.

There is no cure for most tremors. Treatment to relieve them depends on their cause. In many cases, medicines and sometimes surgical procedures can reduce or stop tremors and improve muscle control. Tremors are not life threatening. However, they can be embarrassing and make it hard to perform daily tasks.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Start Here

Essential Tremor (American Academy of Family Physicians)Available in Spanish
Essential Tremor (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Essential Tremor (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary
Tremor (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)Available in Spanish
Tremor (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary
Tremor (Beyond the Basics) (UpToDate)

Treatments and Therapies

Essential Tremor (ET): Surgical Options (International Essential Tremor Foundation) - PDF
Treatment of Essential Tremor (American Academy of Neurology) - PDF

Living With

Essential Tremor (ET): Coping Tips for Everyday Living (International Essential Tremor Foundation) - PDF

Related Issues

Essential Tremor vs. Parkinson's Disease: How Do They Differ? (International Essential Tremor Foundation) - PDF

Genetics

Genetics Home Reference: 48,XXYY syndrome (National Library of Medicine)
Genetics Home Reference: essential tremor (National Library of Medicine)
Genetics Home Reference: fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (National Library of Medicine)

Videos and Tutorials

Deep Brain Stimulation (OR-Live) - Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY, 2/21/2012
Essential Tremor Is More Than a Tremor (International Essential Tremor Foundation)

Clinical Trials

ClinicalTrials.gov: Essential Tremor (National Institutes of Health)
ClinicalTrials.gov: Tremor (National Institutes of Health)

Journal ArticlesReferences and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

Find an Expert

Find a Neurologist (American Academy of Neurology)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Available in Spanish

Children

Children with Essential Tremor (International Essential Tremor Foundation) - PDF

Patient Handouts

Essential tremor Available in Spanish
Tremor Available in Spanish
Tremor - self-care Available in Spanish

essential tremor

Essential tremor is a movement disorder that causes involuntary, rhythmic shaking (tremor), especially in the hands. It is distinguished from tremor that results from other disorders or known causes, such as Parkinson disease or head trauma. Essential tremor usually occurs alone, without other neurological signs or symptoms. However, some experts think that essential tremor can include additional features, such as mild balance problems.

Essential tremor usually occurs with movements and can occur during many different types of activities, such as eating, drinking, or writing. Essential tremor can also occur when the muscles are opposing gravity, such as when the hands are extended. It is usually not evident at rest.

In addition to the hands and arms, muscles of the trunk, face, head, and neck may also exhibit tremor in this disorder; the legs and feet are less often involved. Head tremor may appear as a "yes-yes" or "no-no" movement while the affected individual is seated or standing. In some people withessential tremor, the tremor may affect the voice (vocal tremor).

Essential tremor does not shorten the lifespan. However, it may interfere with fine motor skills such as using eating utensils, writing, shaving, or applying makeup, and in some cases these and other activities of daily living can be greatly impaired. Symptoms of essential tremor may be aggravated by emotional stress, anxiety, fatigue, hunger, caffeine, cigarette smoking, or temperature extremes.

Essential tremor may appear at any age but is most common in the elderly. Some studies have suggested that people with essential tremor have a higher than average risk of developing neurological conditions including Parkinson disease or sensory problems such as hearing loss, especially in individuals whose tremor appears after age 65.