Essential tremor vs Parkinson’s disease

People often consider tremors as a sign of Parkinsons' disease. However, this is not always the case, and may simply be that you are suffering from essential tremors. Distinguished GP Dr William Wong explains more about the condition.

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What is an essential tremor? 

Essential tremor, often referred to simply as tremor, is a neurological disorder characterised by involuntary shaking or trembling movements occurring in one or multiple regions of the body

These tremors can take place in any part of the body, causing difficulties with voluntary movement.

Why is there confusion between essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease?

People often get confused between Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor because they know the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which include involuntary shakes, or tremors.

Parkinson’s disease occurs due to a loss of certain nerve cells in the brain, and can provoke slow movement and stiff muscles. However, this does not always signal that you have the disease.

What are the key differences between Parkinson's disease and essential tremor?

Parkinson's disease and essential tremor are two distinguished neurological conditions that provoke tremors in those affected. Although both can consist of tremors, there are several distinct differences to help distinguish between the two conditions.

Both Parkinson's disease and essential tremor principally affect the hands. That being said, tremors can also occur in other body parts such as the head, voice, legs, or trunk.

In both conditions, stress or anxiety can make the shaking worse, but may get better or stop temporarily while you are asleep. However, these shared features mark the limit of their similarities

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder which takes place due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. It occurs more commonly in people over the age of 60, but can occur at any age.

The tremors linked to Parkinson's disease are frequently referred to as a 'pill-rolling' tremor, marked by a rhythmic back-and-forth movement of the thumb and fingers.

In addition to tremors, individuals with Parkinson's may encounter other motor symptoms such as stiffness, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability.

The NHS also lists the following as symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease:

• depression
• anxiety
• loss of sense of smell
• insomnia
• memory problems

If you would like to book a consultation with Dr Wong, simply visit his Top Doctors profile today.