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Essential Tremor

Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder.1 It is estimated that approximately 7 million people in the United States have essential tremor. This represents 2.2% of the US population. In comparison, the number of people with Parkinson's disease is estimated at 0.5–1 million, or about 0.15–0.3% of the population.2 It is a progressive, often inherited, condition that causes trembling of the hands, head, voice, and/or legs.3 Researchers think it may be caused by electrical fluctuations in the brain that send abnormal signals to the muscles.3 For millions of people, essential tremor makes the simplest activities of daily life difficult, if not impossible.3,4 Tremors usually worsen with stress, fatigue, and medications or substances that make people more alert or energetic (caffeine, nicotine, certain classes of drugs, etc.)4

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Condition

Essential Tremor Symptoms3

  • Uncontrolled shaking in the hands, arms and, less commonly, the legs
  • A shaky voice
  • Problems with walking or balance
  • A shaky motion of the head

Essential Tremor vs Parkinson's Disease5

While tremors are often associated with Parkinson's disease, there are a few key differences:

Timing of tremors

Essential tremor in the hands is usually noticeable when the hands are being used. In Parkinson's disease, hand tremor is most noticeable when they are resting.

Associated symptoms

Essential tremor often doesn't have additional symptoms (although sometimes neurological symptoms may occur). Parkinson's disease can also bring on slower movement, stooped posture, and feet dragging when walking.

Affected parts of the body

Essential tremor mainly involves the hands, legs, head, and voice. Parkinson's disease tremors usually start in the hands, and can affect the legs, chin, and other parts of 
the body.

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References
  1. Tremor. NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed December 8, 2023. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/tremor#:~:text=Essential%20tremor%20(previously%20also%20called,,%20voice,%20or%20lower%20limbs
  2. Louis ED, Ottman R. How many people in the USA have essential tremor? Deriving a population estimate based on epidemiological data. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (NY). 2014; 4: 259. doi: 10.7916/D8TT4P4B
  3. Essential tremor disorder. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed December 6, 2023. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/essential-tremor-disorder
  4. Essential tremor. Penn Medicine. Accessed December 6, 2023. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/essential-tremor#:~:text=Factors%20That%20Change%20Essential%20Tremor,Emotional%20stress%20or%20anxiety
  5. Essential tremor. Mayo Clinic. Accessed December 6, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/essential-tremor/symptoms-causes/syc-20350534