Essential tremor is a condition where a part of a person’s body shakes or trembles uncontrollably when it is held up against gravity.
It is a common movement disorder that for most people is a minor nuisance, but it does get gradually worse with time. At its most severe, essential tremor is disabling and makes it very difficult to perform daily activities (see below).
Essential tremor usually affects the arms and hands, although it can also affect other body parts, including the:
- head
- jaw
- face
- feet
- tongue
Sometimes, the voice can also sound shaky. See symptoms of essential tremor for more information.
There is no cure for essential tremor, but medicines can be used to help improve the symptoms in at least half of people with the condition. See treatment of essential tremor for more information.
'Normal' tremor
Everyone has a very minor tremor when carrying out daily activities. For example, your hands will shake slightly when you hold them out in front of you. This is normal.
Sometimes, the everyday level of tremor can become more noticeable, particularly in older people. Noticeable tremor is also normal and it is often caused by a raised level of adrenaline in the body, which can happen when a person is stressed, anxious or angry.
It can also occur when a person is taking certain types of medication, such as inhalers for asthma.
When does a tremor become a disorder?
Essential tremor is more severe than normal tremor. It can be made worse by the same factors that cause normal tremor, such as stress and anxiety.
Essential tremor gradually gets worse over the years. Eventually, the tremor may become so severe that carrying out normal, everyday activities can become difficult. For example, activities such as writing, drinking a glass of water or tying shoelaces may become particularly challenging.
How common is essential tremor?
Essential tremor affects men and women equally. It can affect people of any age, although it becomes more common with advancing age. Around 4 out of 100 adults over 40 years of age are affected by the condition.
Essential tremor can run in families. At least half of people with the condition have a family member who also has it. See causes of essential tremor for more information.
