Essential Tremor in Syracuse, NY — CNY Neurological Consulting

What Is Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor is a neurological condition causing rhythmic, involuntary shaking — most commonly of the hands and arms, though the head, voice, and other body parts can also be affected. Unlike Parkinson's tremor, essential tremor is an action tremor — it is most prominent during movement or when holding a position, rather than at rest.

Essential tremor can range from mild to severe. In some patients it causes only minor inconvenience; in others it significantly affects handwriting, eating, drinking, and other daily activities. Essential tremor often runs in families, though it can also occur without a family history.

Common Features

• Rhythmic shaking of the hands during activity or while holding a position
• Head tremor — a 'yes-yes' or 'no-no' movement
• Voice tremor
• Tremor that may temporarily improve with small amounts of alcohol
• Tremor that worsens with stress, fatigue, or caffeine

Neurological Evaluation

Evaluation includes a neurological history and examination to characterize the tremor — its distribution, timing (rest vs. action), and associated features. Distinguishing essential tremor from Parkinson's disease and other tremor syndromes is an important part of the evaluation.

Laboratory testing may be performed to exclude treatable causes of tremor such as thyroid dysfunction. Neuroimaging is not routinely required for typical essential tremor.

Treatment Options

Medications are the first-line treatment for essential tremor. Several medications can reduce tremor severity in many patients, though response varies. Not all patients require medication — treatment is considered when tremor is affecting daily function.

For patients with severe essential tremor that does not respond adequately to medication, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an option. CNY Neurological Consulting provides DBS programming and management for patients with implanted systems.

Frequently Asked Questions