Tremors

Question 1

Essential tremor
1) What are the 2 things that an essential tremor is characterised by?
2) Where is the tremor usually most notable?
3) Name 1 thing that usually makes it worse
4) Name 1 thing that makes it better
5) Name a medication that can be used to improve the symptom, and what class of drugs do they belong to

Answer 1

1) Fine tremor affecting all the voluntary muscles
2) Hands and upper limbs
3) Caffeine, stress, fatigue, arms outstretched (postural tremor)
4) Alcohol, rest
5) Propranolol (non-selective beta blocker)
primidone (barbiturate anti-epileptic medication)

Question 2

Parkinsonian tremor
1) Is a Parkinsonian tremor a resting tremor or an action tremor?
2) How is the tremor in PD often described?

Answer 2

1) Resting tremor
2) Pill rolling tremor

Question 3

Other tremors
1) What is dystonia, and what is a dystonic tremor?
2) How can a dystonic tremor be relieved?
3) What is an orthostatic tremor?
4) Name 2 things that can cause a cerebellar tremor

Answer 3

1) Movement disorder characterised by involuntary muscle contraction - dystonic tremor is a tremor that occurs in people with dystonia
2) Rest
3) Rapid, rhythmic muscle contraction usually in the leg that occurs following standing
4) Stroke, tumour, MS, chronic alcoholism