Essential tremor is a nervous system disorder (neurological disorder) that causes a rhythmic shaking. Essential tremor can affect almost any part of your body, but the trembling occurs most often in your hands — especially when you try to do simple tasks, such as drinking from a glass, tying shoelaces, writing or shaving. Essential tremor may also affect your head, voice, arms or legs.
Although usually not a dangerous condition, essential tremor worsens over time and can be severe in some people. It isn't caused by other diseases, although it's sometimes confused with Parkinson's disease. Essential tremor can occur at any age but is most common in people age 40 and older.
Feb. 20, 2013
- NINDS essential tremor information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/essential_tremor/essential_tremor.htm. Accessed Nov. 15, 2012.
- Essential tremor. Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/essential-tremor/. Accessed Nov. 15, 2012.
- Tremor fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tremor/detail_tremor.htm. Accessed Nov. 15, 2012.
- Tarsy D. Overview of tremor. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 15, 2012.
- Tremor. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic_disorders/movement_and_cerebellar_disorders/tremor.html?qt=essential%20tremor&sc=&alt=sh#top. Accessed Nov. 15, 2012.
- Parkinson's disease: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/detail_parkinsons_disease.htm. Accessed Nov. 19, 2012.
- Tarsy D. Pharmacologic treatment of essential tremor. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 15, 2012.
- Tarsy D. Surgical treatment of essential tremor. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 15, 2012.
- Zesiewicz TA, et al. Evidence-based guideline update: Treatment of Essential Tremor: Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. 2011;77:1752.
- Coping tips. International Essential Tremor Foundation. http://www.essentialtremor.org/Coping-Tips. Accessed Nov. 20, 2012.
- Support groups. International Essential Tremor Foundation. http://www.essentialtremor.org/siteresources/apps/supportgroups/. Accessed Nov. 20, 2012.
- NINDS essential tremor information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/essential_tremor/essential_tremor.htm. Accessed Nov. 15, 2012.
- Essential tremor. Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/essential-tremor/. Accessed Nov. 15, 2012.
- Tremor fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tremor/tremor.htm. Accessed Nov. 15, 2012.
- U.S. News best hospitals 2012-2013. U.S. News & World Report. http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings. Accessed Nov. 15, 2012.
You Are ... The Campaign for Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Make a difference today.
.