Palatal tremor: a literature review and case report

Palatal tremor is a rare involuntary rhythmic oscillation of the soft palate which may be found in isolation or in association with other forms of segmental myoclonus. It is seldom reported in the literature and varies considerably in its aetiology, clinical presentation and management.

The Google Scholar database was searched to retrieve relevant research articles. We also outline a case of essential palatal tremor in a 17-year-old male.

Symptomatic palatal tremor is due to established pathophysiology whereas essential palatal tremor is idiopathic in origin. We discuss the current assessment and management (surgical and non-surgical) of both essential and symptomatic palatal tremor.

There is currently no single treatment considered curative for either type of palatal tremor. Further research into and discussion of this rare condition amongst clinicians would be beneficial.