Clinical trial: Functional Imaging of Tremor Circuits and Mechanisms of Treatment Response (NCT02495883)

Eligibility criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

          -  Diagnosed with ET by a Movement Disorder Neurologist.

          -  Tremors that improve with alcohol.

          -  Ability to abstain from drinking alcohol or caffeine for at least 2 days before both
             the screening and fMRI visits

          -  Over the age of 21.

        Exclusion Criteria:

          -  Significant non-ET related abnormal findings during neurological exam.

          -  Presence of a tremor at rest.

          -  Pregnant or nursing.

          -  Unable to safely undergo MRI based on completion of a safety questionnaire.

          -  History of dementia, brain tumor, stroke, head trauma or a vascular malformation based
             on history or MRI findings.

          -  Severe active medical condition, such as cardiovascular disease, that prevents subject
             from lying flat for up to 120 minutes.

          -  Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent.

          -  Claustrophobia (a fear of tight spaces) or other restrictions that prevent subject
             from undergoing an MRI in a confined space for up to 120 minutes.

          -  Unable to temporarily stop taking medications that may influence liver metabolism or
             brain function.

          -  Tremors so severe that subject cannot safely and effectively undergo MRI

          -  Past/current problems with alcohol abuse or dependence.

          -  Unwillingness to take alcohol (ethanol), which is a potentially intoxicating drug

          -  History of deep brain stimulation or thalamotomy surgery.

          -  Sinus bradycardia, bronchial asthma, or a known allergy to propranolol (Inderal).
No condition on gender to be admitted to the trial.
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Subject must be at least 21 Years old.


Patient description (medical language): A 60-year-old man comes to the clinic complaining of hand tremor that started few months ago.  It is most bothering when he wants to drink from a glass or pour from a bottle. He does not smoke, but drinks occasionally. He recently started consuming more alcohol as his tremor subsides somewhat when he drinks small amounts of alcohol.  Family history is significant for similar problems in his mother.  Vital signs are normal and the patient has no other medical conditions.  Neurologic examination shows bilateral tremor in the upper extremities. The diagnosis of essential tremor is confirmed.

Patient description (patient's own words): I'm only a 60 years old man but I already suffer from shaky hands. It started a few months ago, and it really bothers me when I want to pour myself a glass or even while drinking. I don't smoke, but I drink alcohol from time to time. To be honest, I've been drinking a little more lately since it helps me with the shaking. My mom had the same issue when she was my age. The doctor took my vitals, and they were normal. I don't have any other medical issues. I underwent neurological exams and it showed that I’m shaky from both sides. The doctor diagnosed me with essential tremor.

Does the patient match the trial criteria? Entailment