Post-traumatic tremor

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurotraumatology

Background:

• Head injuries are common, but post-traumatic tremor is rarely documented.
• Understanding the spectrum of neurological sequelae following mild head trauma is crucial.

Observation:

• Seven cases of tremor following mild head injury without loss of consciousness are presented.
• Symptoms manifested 1-4 weeks post-trauma, presenting as postural and kinetic hand/head tremor.
• Myoclonic-like jerking was common; other neurological signs were absent.

Findings:

• Neuroimaging studies were unremarkable in all cases.
• Clonazepam reduced tremor in three patients; propranolol aided one patient.
• The tremor characteristics were similar to essential tremor.

Implications:

• This suggests a distinct, albeit rare, tremor syndrome following head trauma.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology and optimal management.
• Clinicians should consider head trauma in the differential diagnosis of tremor, even in mild cases.