How is essential tremor different from other types of tremor?

In this video, Dr Saiffee explains how the diagnosis of essential tremor is made and how the condition differs from other types of tremor.
Tremor, in general, is a very common symptom. It means shaking of a body part and there are lots of conditions or syndromes that may cause tremor.
Essential tremor is different to other tremor syndromes in that it is an action tremor. An action tremor is a Tremor that comes on when you move that body part or when you're activating the muscles in that body part. This is as opposed to a rest tremor, where tremor may exist when a limb is resting, for example in Parkinson's Disease.
Essential tremor is an action tremor predominantly, and fairly symmetrical, It tends to affect both hands or arms symmetrically, but sometimes other body parts.
Dr Saifee explains that for a diagnosis of essential tremor, we're looking for symmetry, we're looking for both arms or hands to be involved, and possibly other body parts. We're also looking for the absence of involvement of other neurological systems. This diagnosis is most often made from clues from the patient's story or by examining them, but sometimes other investigations can be helpful, including scans of the head or blood tests.
Dr Tabish Saifee is a Consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square and a member of the movement disorder group. If you would be interested in a consultation with Dr Saifee, please contact [e-mail].