Familial Tremors Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

ET is generally not serious, but its severity may vary and worsen over time. Symptoms may include:

• Tremor that occurs when standing or moving the limbs, but not usually at rest
• Uncontrollable, rhythmic, up-and-down movement
• Shaking in hands, arms, head, voice, trunk, legs, or feet on both sides
• Shaking only in certain positions or during activity
• Trouble with fine motor skills, such as drawing, sewing, or playing an instrument
• Shaking that gets worse from caffeine, stress, fatigue, or heat
• Hearing loss (Some cases are associated with hearing loss.)
• Problems with social, functional, or occupational abilities (More severe cases interfere with these abilities.)

To be considered as having ET, tremors must not be related to other health conditions.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your medical and family history. He will also do a physical exam, paying particular attention to the central nervous system. At this time, there are no special tests to diagnose ET. But, you may have blood, urine, or other tests (eg, MRI ) to rule out other causes, like:

• Parkinson's disease
• Elevated thyroid hormone
• Low blood sugar
• Stroke
• Medications