Essential tremor

Essential tremor is a neurologic disorder characterized by shaking of hands (sometimes other parts of the body including the head), evoked by intentional movements. The incidence is about 6/100000 people and it is the most common type of tremor and also the most commonly observed movement disorder. It may be found in more than one member of a family (familial tremor) or start in advanced ages (senile tremor). Other than hands, arms and the head, voice and eyelids may be affected, as well. The cause of the disease is unknown and there is no identifiable structural abnormality in the nervous system of these patients. Usually the diagnosis is established on clinical grounds but in cases of suspect, other diseases causing tremor (excessive caffeine consumption, drugs, hyperthyroidism) might better be excluded. The tremors are usually evoked by anxiety and may lessen by alcohol. However using small amounts of alcohol for treatment may cause alcohol addiction. In cases with prominent tremor that is interfering with daily life activities, beta-blockers may be used for treatment.