Postural Tremor
As stated above, postural tremor occurs when the limb is placed in a fixed position against gravity, and may continue or increase during movement. Postural tremor is subdivided into physiologic tremor, ET, alcohol or drug withdrawal, metabolic disturbance, drug-induce tremor, and psychogenic tremor. Each subtype of tremor is discussed in the paragraphs below.
Physiologic tremor. Physiologic tremor exists in all mankind including people who are healthy; however, it is typically undetectable due to its small amplitude. Physiologic tremor can become visible in some people while performing specific tasks such as focusing a camera or threading a needle. It can also become visible in some people as a result of drug use, too much alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or being under pressure. This tremor usually disappears when the underlying cause is terminated. Its amplitude can barely be seen, and its frequency …show more content…
ET is the most common pathologic tremor, with nearly 10 million people being affected with this disease in the United States alone. Although many doctors believe the cause of ET is abnormal activity of the brain, the real cause of the disease is unknown. About half of all ET cases are believed to be familial (Mayo Clinic, 2016). This disease causes rhythmic oscillation of body parts, most commonly wrist and hand, and sometimes head, voice, and legs. This tremor has a mild amplitude, with a high frequency between 8 and 12 Hz, and is visible.
Alcohol or drug withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal refer to people who have grown accustomed to heavy use of only illegal drugs or alcohol and then suddenly stop or significantly reduce the consumption. This leads to a decrease in the amount of the drug or alcohol in the blood and the tissues. Several hours after quitting, patients may experience shakiness, seizures, weakness, confusion, high heartbeat, and fever. The situation can become complicated, and the patient could face the risk of
As stated above, postural tremor occurs when the limb is placed in a fixed position against gravity, and may continue or increase during movement. Postural tremor is subdivided into physiologic tremor, ET, alcohol or drug withdrawal, metabolic disturbance, drug-induce tremor, and psychogenic tremor. Each subtype of tremor is discussed in the paragraphs below.
Physiologic tremor. Physiologic tremor exists in all mankind including people who are healthy; however, it is typically undetectable due to its small amplitude. Physiologic tremor can become visible in some people while performing specific tasks such as focusing a camera or threading a needle. It can also become visible in some people as a result of drug use, too much alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or being under pressure. This tremor usually disappears when the underlying cause is terminated. Its amplitude can barely be seen, and its frequency …show more content…
ET is the most common pathologic tremor, with nearly 10 million people being affected with this disease in the United States alone. Although many doctors believe the cause of ET is abnormal activity of the brain, the real cause of the disease is unknown. About half of all ET cases are believed to be familial (Mayo Clinic, 2016). This disease causes rhythmic oscillation of body parts, most commonly wrist and hand, and sometimes head, voice, and legs. This tremor has a mild amplitude, with a high frequency between 8 and 12 Hz, and is visible.
Alcohol or drug withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal refer to people who have grown accustomed to heavy use of only illegal drugs or alcohol and then suddenly stop or significantly reduce the consumption. This leads to a decrease in the amount of the drug or alcohol in the blood and the tissues. Several hours after quitting, patients may experience shakiness, seizures, weakness, confusion, high heartbeat, and fever. The situation can become complicated, and the patient could face the risk of