essential tremor

Question 1

characteristics

Answer 1

• half of patients have family history
• gradual onset (over a number of years)
• no other associated neuro symptoms
• symmetrical
• intention tremor, worse with activity (e.g. worse when lifting a cup)

Question 2

investigations

Answer 2

check for other possible causes, but diagnosis of ET is clinical. can do DaTscan to get some useful info, but usually unnecessary.

Question 3

treatment

Answer 3

• limit caffeine (makes tremor worse)
• propanolol and primidone (barbiturate) are first-line, but propranolol (beta blocker) is contraindicated in patients with asthma