Typically, it runs in families and affects the hands or head or sometimes the voice. Essential tremor most typically shows up as a postural or action tremor, and it's usually pretty easy to tell the difference between that and Parkinson's. There is no relation to brain tumors. Many medications can aggravate tremors. For example, lithium or theophylline can produce a fine postural tremor or make an existing one worse.
Many people discover that mild to moderate alcohol use can quiet the tremors.
I hope this helps. Essential tremor is not life threatening, but it can be annoying, so deciding whether to treat is up to you and your doctor. CCF MD mdf. Information contained within this forum is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.