Essential Tremor

Essential tremor is a movement disorder that causes a rhythmic, involuntary tremor, almost always in the hands, which is usually noticeable when holding objects, writing, or performing fine tasks.

Frequent symptoms: oscillating movement in the hands, head, or voice, which tends to increase with activity and decrease at rest. It usually affects both sides of the body gradually.

Common causes: there is often a hereditary component, although it can also appear without a known family history.

Which specialist treats it? The evaluation falls to the neurologist, who may draw on neurophysiology studies, and at times the internist to rule out other causes. If tremor interferes with your daily activities, it is worth seeking a professional evaluation to guide the next steps.