Benign Essential Tremor Flashcards
What is benign essential tremor?
It is defined as an inherited condition in which there is development of a fine tremor within all voluntary muscles
What is the inheritance of benign essential tremor?
Autosomal Dominant
In which region of the body is benign essential tremor most notable?
Upper Limbs
However, it does affect many other areas, including the head, jaw and vocal cords.
What is the clinical feature of benign essential tremor?
Symmetrical fine tremor
What are the two relievers of benign essential tremor?
Alcohol
Rest
When are the four exacerbations of benign essential tremor?
Voluntary Movement
Fatigue
Stress
Caffeine
When is benign essential tremor absent?
Sleep
How is benign essential tremor diagnosed?
The diagnosis of benign essential tremor is clinical, however investigations are used to exclude differential diagnoses
What is the most common differential diagnoses of benign essential tremor?
Parkinson’s Disease
What are the six distinguishing features between benign essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease?
Benign Essential Tremor = symmetrical, 5 -8 Hz, improves with rest and alcohol, worse with intentional movement, no other Parkinson’s features
Parkinson’s Disease = asymmetrical, 4 - 6 Hz, worse at rest, no change with alcohol, improves with intentional movement, other Parkinson’s features
What is the conservative management option of benign essential tremor?
Reassurance
When is conservative management of benign essential tremor recommended?
When there is no development of functional or psychological complications
This is due to the fact that the tremor is not harmful
When is pharmacological management of benign essential tremor recommended?
When there is development of functional or psychological complications
What are the two pharmacological management options of benign essential tremor?
Beta-Blockers
Barbiturates
When are beta-blockers used to manage benign essential tremor?
They are the first line pharmacological management option
