Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Subject: Re: Essential Tremor vs Sustention tremor
Forum: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum
Topic Area: Movement
Posted by CCF Neurology MD:NT on September 10, 1998 at 22:57:44:
In Reply to: Essential Tremor vs Sustention tremor posted by Mark51 on September 10, 1998 at 21:31:37:


I have had two differant dx's one of essential tremor the other of a sustention tremor - I realize the essential is a condition unto itself whereas the the sustention tremor is usally a symptom of something else . My q's-
What should be considered to identify or differentiates the two? What possible conditions are associated with sustention tremor amd what other symptoms should be checked or looked for?
Thanks
Mark51


Dear Mark:

I have never heard of a "sustension" tremor before. I guess you got the spelling wrong, and your neurologist meant INTENTION tremor. Intention tremor is not a diagnosis, but a physical sign. It means increased oscillation of a limb as it approaching a target. It is a sign of limb ataxia (incoordination), usually from disease of the cerebellum (small brain in the back of the head) or its connections.
In contrast essential tremor is a disease, the hallmarks of which are ACTION and POSTURAL tremors. These tremors are seen throughout a goal-directed movement, and with sustained posture, such as holding arms outstretched.
A neurologist specializing in movement disorders should be able to seperate these possibilities by just doing a careful physical examination, and I would recommend a third opinion from such a neurologist to resolve the issue. In case you live near Cleveland, I suggest that you see Dr. R Stanley Burns or Dr. Erwin Mongomery, who are nationally renowned experts inthese fields. Appointments can be made by calling (800)223-2273, or (216)444-5559 locally.

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