Tremor is a rhythmic, involuntary muscular contraction characterized by oscillations (to-and-fro movements) of a part of the body. The most common of all involuntary movements, tremor can affect various body parts such as the hands, head, facial structures, vocal cords, trunk, and legs; most tremors, however, occur in the hands. Tremors can be characterized by whether they are present when the affected limb is at rest (a resting tremor) or when the limb is being moved (an action tremor). Tremor often accompanies neurological disorders and determining their cause is important in choosing the appropriate treatment. One of the most common types of tremor is an action-type tremor called Essential (or familial) Tremor. It often runs in families and typically affects the hands and head but can affect the legs and voice as well. Although the disorder is not life-threatening, it can be responsible for functional disability and social embarrassment.

Treatment

Treatment for tremors generally depends on the cause and severity of the tremor. If tremors are not disabling they do not always require specific treatments. If the tremor is due to an identified, correctable cause (like hyperthyroidism or due to a medication), this underlying problem should be addressed first. For Essential Tremor (ET), conservative options include occupational therapy. Several medications can often be tried to reduce the severity of the tremors. The most common include primidone (Mysoline) and beta-blockers (also used for high blood pressure) like propranolol and metoprolol. Some patients find their tremors improve with alcohol. In some cases, this can be used sparingly for specific situations in consultation with your doctor. Tremors that affect the head can sometimes be treated with botulinum injections into the overactive neck muscles. For more severe tremors, medications and injections are often insufficient in controlling the symptoms. For these cases, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is often the most effective treatment.