Life expectancy is reduced by this disease, although the more optimistic recent estimates place it within six months of normal life expectancy. Exact figures are difficult to specify, but clearly the quality of life for these patients has been markedly improved with modern treatments. It is usually most prominent during purposeful activity or maintenance of a nonresting position. Often, it is relieved temporarily by alcohol. If it is familial, the term familial tremor is used.
Diagnosis is generally by history and careful examination.
A skilled physician can usually exclude, at least tentatively, Parkinson's Disease by the absence of other signs of that disease. Tumors of the brain, especially the cerebellum, must also be ruled out sometimes with a CAT scan. It has been found that the drugs such as propranolol and primidone are quite effective in the treatment of this symptom, when it impairs the patient's quality of life. Alcohol is effective but when evaluated as a drug for regular long-term use, it is regrettably toxic. Essential tremor tends to progress only very slowly, and seems to plateau in many patients.