Orthostatic tremor: an association with essential tremor

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Movement Disorders

Background:

• Orthostatic tremor (OT) is a rare neurological condition characterized by tremor in the trunk and legs during standing.
• Diagnostic criteria for OT often emphasize a rapid tremor frequency.

Observation:

• Five patients with typical orthostatic tremor findings presented with a wide range of tremor frequencies.
• All observed patients also exhibited postural hand tremor.
• A family history of essential tremor was noted in all five patients.

Findings:

• The study observed that orthostatic tremor can occur with frequencies outside the typically emphasized rapid range.
• A familial link between orthostatic tremor and essential tremor is suggested by the co-occurrence of symptoms and family history.
• Painful cramps were associated with orthostatic tremor in the observed patients.

Implications:

• These findings challenge the strict diagnostic criterion of rapid frequency for orthostatic tremor.
• The results suggest a potential relationship or overlap between orthostatic tremor and essential tremor.
• Clonazepam shows promise as a treatment for orthostatic tremor, particularly when associated with painful cramps.