Propranolol therapy for essential tremor of the head

The effect of propranolol on essential tremor affecting the head was studied in a placebo-controlled trial. Clinical tremor scores and tremor amplitude as measured by an accelerometer were significantly decreased for both head and hand tremor by 160-mg/d and 320-mg/d doses of propranolol. Placebo and 80 mg/d were without effect. In individual patients, the responsiveness of head tremor tended to parallel that of hand tremor. The head tremor of essential tremor can be treated successfully with propranolol therapy.