Benign essential tremor is the most common tremor, or uncontrollable body movement. The tremor usually involves the hands and arms, although other body parts may also be affected. As the name implies, it is a benign condition, and not related to Parkinson's disease or other serious neurological disorders. However, it can interfere with essential daily activities such as eating and speaking. Though the specific cause of essential tremor is not known, it is treatable with certain prescription medications.
Shaking of the Limbs
The patient with benign essential tremor will most often have fine, persistent shaking of the hands and arms. This tremor will get more pronounced if he tries to grasp small objects, or tries to pour a drink. Other limbs, such as the legs, may also be involved, but not as prevalent as the hand tremors.
Head Shaking
An individual with benign essential tremor may demonstrate shaking of her head. This is usually seen as either an up-and-down or side-to-side nod of the head, which is constant and uncontrollable.
Difficulty Speaking
The essential tremor patient sometimes has a quivering or shaking quality to their voice, almost as if he is about to cry. When this becomes pronounced, his speech may become unintelligible. This symptom is only seen when the muscles around the voice box are affected.
Difficulty with Hand Coordination
The patient with essential tremor will often experience difficulty with fine hand movements. As a result, writing legibly, drinking soup with a spoon or pouring wine into a narrow wine glass will all be difficult to achieve. Performance anxiety, or being put on the spot, will exacerbate the tremor.
