Essential tremor
(ET)
Essential Tremor
- sometimes referred to as
Benign Essential Tremor
- is a fine to
moderate
tremor which has no
known cause. Tremors
are rhythmic, involuntary, alternating movements
which may affect any part of the body.
Causes
Genes are information centers in your cells that control your body's
growth, development and function. Although the exact number is still in
dispute, it's likely you have at least 30,000 genes. A mutation in just
one of these genes can drastically alter the way your body works.
About half of all cases of essential tremor occur because of a genetic
mutation. Researchers have identified two genes — ETM1 and ETM2 — that
appear to be involved. But it's possible that mutations in other genes
may also lead to the disorder.
Exactly what causes essential tremor in people without genetic mutations
isn't known. Doctors do know that the problem occurs in the brain
circuits that control your movements. Studies using a sophisticated
imaging technique called positron emission tomographic (PET) scanning
show that certain parts of the brain — including the thalamus, which
relays pain and other sensory messages — have increased activity in
people with essential tremor. But more research must be done before
scientists understand the precise mechanism behind the disease.
Finally, many people associate the beginning of their tremor with a
stressful event such as an accident or the death of a loved one.
Although stress doesn't appear to cause essential tremor, it can make
symptoms worse.
