Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison	Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M	N	O	P	Q	R	S	T	U	V	W	X	Y	Z

Central nervous system

---

Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

---

Familial tremor

Alternative Names

Tremor - familial

Treatment

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

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.

Outlook (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.

Possible Complications

Side effects of medications may cause complications.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

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.

Review Date: 7/20/2004
Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

_{The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.}