A familial tremor affects about 1 out of 15,000 people. Unlike an essential tremor , which may occur as an isolated case, a familial tremor occurs more than once within a family group.
Tremors occur at any age but are most common in older people.
A familial tremor is usually a relatively benign condition, affecting movement or voice quality but seldom having any other effects. Purposeful movements may make the tremors worse. Emotional stress may also increase the tremors. An essential tremor rarely involves the legs or feet. In children, it is usually limited to the hands and rarely requires treatment.