Medical Health Encyclopedia

Essential tremor

Since some identical twins do not share this condition, environmental factors must play a role as well. Essential tremors can occur at any age but are most common in people older than 65.

Essential tremor is a relatively benign condition, affecting movement or voice quality, but with no other effects. It involves a rhythmic, moderately rapid tremor of voluntary muscles. Purposeful movements may make the tremors worse, while avoiding hand movements may suppress the tremors completely. There may be difficulty holding or using small objects (such as silverware or writing utensils).

Over time, the tremors may affect the hands, arms, head, voice box, eyelids, or other muscles. An essential tremor rarely involves the legs or feet. It may start in one body part but can progress to include other parts.

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