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Primary writing tremor: a selective action tremor
Neurology
|February 1, 1982
Summary
This study describes a tremor disorder affecting handwriting in six patients, appearing between ages 8 and 54. The tremors responded to anticholinergic agents but not propranolol HCl, distinguishing it from essential tremor.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Movement Disorders
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Essential tremor is a common movement disorder characterized by action tremor.
- Differentiating tremors is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- Six patients presented with progressive handwriting difficulties due to jerking movements.
- Tremors were precipitated by writing and specific muscle activities, with no rest tremor observed.
- Three patients had mild postural tremor.
Findings:
- The tremor was elicited by specific muscle activities like wrist pronation or finger abduction, persisting with maintained posture.
- No family history of tremors was reported; two patients had a history suggestive of birth hypoxia.
- The condition did not respond to propranolol HCl but showed improvement with centrally acting anticholinergic agents.
Implications:
- This tremor presentation appears distinct from benign essential tremor.
- Centrally acting anticholinergic agents may be a viable treatment option for this specific tremor type.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathophysiology and long-term prognosis of this tremor disorder.