Essential tremor: a review

A review of current knowledge of essential tremor and its treatment is presented. Its prevalence in Africa is not known but it is quite common in those over 40 years in most communities of the world. The condition is characterised by slowly progressive postural tremor of the arms and head without an identifiable organic cause. It is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease. Current treatment is with beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs, but this treatment is not completely satisfactory. Further studies are required on its pathophysiological mechanisms and new therapeutic directions.