ABSTRACT
Tremor is an involuntary, rhythmical, oscillatory movement of any part of the body, but most commonly of the hands. It is convenient to divide tremors into three main categories: resting, postural and intention. The most common cause is physiological tremor, which the authors all have at times. The patient whose tremor is severe enough to seek medical attention is most likely to have essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, a dystonic tremor syndrome or cerebellar disease. This is done on the basis of the observation of the tremor at rest, while the arms are outstretched in front of the body and in a wing-beating position, and in the finger-to-nose manoeuvre. Patients with essential tremor typically have hand action tremor (during movement) and postural tremor that is evident immediately after assuming an anti-gravity, horizontal, posture.
