Essential Tremor

Question 1

what is an essential tremor

Answer 1

progressive, symmetrical, rhythmic and involuntary oscillation movement of the hands and forearms

sometimes may involve the voice or the head and jaw

Question 2

when will the tremor be absent and when will it be present

Answer 2

absent at rest and present during posture and intentional movement

Question 3

aetiology/causes of an essential tremor

Answer 3

the cause is unknown but there is a miscommunication/ delayed communication between the cerebellum and rest of the brain

Question 4

risk factors

Answer 4

ageing, environmental toxins, white ancestry and genetics (FHx)

Question 5

presenting signs and symptoms in an essential tremor

Answer 5

postural/ kinetic tremor

problems with fine motor tasks

involvement of voice/head/jaw tremoring

Question 6

investigations

Answer 6

a ct/mri of the head

Question 7

how to manage

Answer 7

observation

1st line; medical - propranolol
2nd line; Deep brain stimulation
3rd line; focused ultrasound thalamotomy

Question 8

when will treatment be necessary

Answer 8

in mild cases that don’t cause dysfunction or embarrassment for the patient