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Is enhanced physiologic tremor different from Essential Tremor
How can enhanced physiologic tremor be differentiated from Essential Tremor?
Physiologic tremor is a rhythmic oscillation with a frequency of 8 to 12 Hz, determined largely by the mechanical properties of the oscillating limb.
Under several circumstances, the tremor may be enhanced and appears identical to Essential Tremor.
Enhanced physiologic tremor is the most common cause of postural tremor.
However, unlike Essential Tremor, mass loading can reduce its frequency.
Causes of Enhanced Physiologic Tremor
- Stressinduced
- Anxiety
- Emotion
- Exercise
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Endocrine
- Adrenocorticosteroids
- Pheochromocytoma
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Hypoglycemia
- Drugs
- Beta agonists (e.g., theophylline, terbutaline, epinephrine)
- Cyclosporine
- Dopaminergic drugs (levodopa, dopamine agonists)
- Methylxanthines (coffee, tea)
- Psychiatric drugs (lithium, neuroleptics, tricyclics)
- Stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine)
- Valproic acid
- Toxins (arsenic, bismuth, bromine, ethanol withdrawal, mercury, lead)
