Essential Tremor

Question 1

What is the difference between a resting and an intention tremor?

Answer 1

1. Resting - abolished on voluntary movement

2. Intention - irregular, large amplitude, worse at the end of purposeful tasks (finger pointing)

Question 2

What is a postural tremor?

Answer 2

Tremor absent at rest, present on maintained posture and may persist on movement.

Question 3

What are the causes of a postural tremor?

Answer 3

Benign essential tremor, thyrotoxicosis, anxiety

Question 4

How is an essential tremor inherited and what does it affect?

Answer 4

1. Autosomal dominant

2. Both upper limbs

Question 5

What is the treatment for a postural tremor?

Answer 5

1. Treat underlying cause

2. Propranolol 1st line