Postural Tremor

• Characteristics

  • Occurs with antigravity posturing

• Examination

  • Outstretched arms and fingers
  • Tongue protrusion

• Etiology

  • Exaggerated physiologic tremor (10–12 Hz)

    • Catecholamine excess:

      • Endocrine: pheo, hyperthyroid, hypoglycemia
      • Drugs: ß–agonists, reuptake inhibitors, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, catecholamines
      • Stress
    • Essential tremor (4–10 Hz)

      • Etiology unknown
      • 50% inherited (familial tremor)

• Treatment

  • ß–blockers, EtOH, primidone

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version