Tremor refers to an involuntary movement consisting of rhythmic alternating movement about a joint. Tremor can be a part of Parkinson’s disease, but frequently relates to other disorders. Physiologic tremor: tremor can be a part of normal life, particularly when the person is exposed to caffeinated beverages or alcohol, certain prescription medications or undue levels of anxiety. This tremor may also relate to thyroid disease.

Essential tremor (ET) is a disorder in which tremor occurs in the outstretched arms or when performing movement with the arms. The head, voice and legs may also be involved with tremor. The disorder is frequently inherited. Tremor symptoms may improve transiently with relatively low doses of alcoholic beverages. Cerebellar tremor: head injury or certain brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis may also cause tremor. This tremor usually relates to dysfunction in a specific area of the brain called the cerebellum.

There are many causes of tremor. These include enhancement of the normal tremor because of medical illness, drugs or caffeine or stress, hereditary disorders such as essential tremor and brain disorders such as multiple sclerosis. A medical evaluation can help to elucidate the cause of tremor in an individual.

The treatment of tremor depends first on its root cause. Enhanced physiologic tremor may improve with treatment of the offending medical condition or withdrawal of the culprit drug. Essential tremor may respond to a number of treatments including propranolol, primidone, and others.

Our multidisciplinary team includes esteemed neurologists, neuropsychologists, specially trained nurses and other staff. Our physicians are also researchers who are actively studying investigative approaches for tremors. For more information about current clinical trials, click on the “Clinical Trials” link at left.