Diseases & Conditions

What is essential tremor?

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By , Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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Close-up of a man's hands, one hand is holding and rubbing the other.I think I have essential tremor, but I worry that it might be early Parkinson’s disease. How can you tell the difference? What helps calm the shaking?

The shakiness is often called an intention or action tremor because it worsens when a person performs a specific task, such as picking up a glass. The most common initial symptom is shaking of the hands, but other areas, including the arms, legs, and head, are frequently involved. Some people develop a trembling voice. At rest or during sleep, the tremor tends to improve or go away.

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About the Author

photo of Howard E. LeWine, MD

Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Howard LeWine is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, and editor in chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. See Full Bio
View all posts by Howard E. LeWine, MD
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