Essential Tremor Essential tremor is a common movement disorder, often familial, that results in tremor of the extremities, head, or voice. In the extremities, the tremor is most prominent with movement or the maintenance of outstretched postures. It characteristically progresses in severity over time and may become quite disabling.
Many patients achieve excellent control of their tremor with pharmacological treatment.
Some patients initially respond to medication treatment, but with time fail to experience adequate control of their symptoms. The tremor may significantly interfere with manual dexterity, handwriting, and eating and drinking due to the inability to manipulate utensils and hold a cup. For patients with significant tremor not sufficiently suppressed with medications, stereotactic surgical treatment often provides substantial relief of symptoms. The Regents of the University of California.