Tremor disorders of aging: diagnosis and management

Tremor disorders are commonly encountered in the elderly. Physiological tremor is present in all of us and may be enhanced by drugs or other circumstances to cause symptomatic dysfunction. Essential tremor consists of postural and kinetic tremors which may involve the hands, head, and voice. Approximately 50% of cases are hereditary. Significant disability may occur. Propranolol and primidone provide effective treatment for some patients. The tremor of Parkinson's disease occurs in resting and postural positions. Treatment with levodopa usually reduces the tremor. Anticholinergics may also decrease tremor but often cause mental side effects in the elderly. Disturbances of the cerebellum may cause a kinetic tremor of the extremities or shakiness of the trunk. Tremors may also occur on a psychogenic basis. Proper classification of tremor disorder will lead to appropriate diagnosis and, often, effective treatment.