Familial tremor

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Central nervous system

Familial tremor

Alternative Names:

Tremor - familial
Treatment:

Treatment may not be necessary unless tremors interfere with the patient's ability to perform daily activities.

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Medications are variable because of individual responses to them. Medications that may reduce tremors include propranolol, Mysoline and other anticonvulsants, and mild tranquilizers. If tremors interfere with activity significantly and are not responsive to medication, surgery to implant a deep brain stimulator (DBS) in the basal ganglia may be an option.

Caffeine (in substances such as coffee and soda) and other stimulants should be avoided because they commonly worsen tremors.

Alcoholic beverages in small quantities may markedly decrease tremors, but drinking should be carefully monitored to avoid alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence, especially if there is a family history of alcohol problems. The mechanism by which alcohol ameliorates familial tremor is unknown.

Expectations (prognosis):

A familial tremor is not a dangerous condition, but it can be annoying and embarrassing. If it is severe, it can mildly interfere with activities, especially fine-motor skills such as writing. Feeding yourself can be a problem. Speech is occasionally involved.

Complications:

Side effects of medications may cause complications.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if tremors occur and there is a family history of tremors or if a familial tremor is interfering with ability to perform daily activities.

Call your health care provider if side effects of medications occur, such as fainting, very slow heart rate, confusion or changes in alertness, or prolonged nausea/vomiting.