TREMOR OF INTENT

Tremor of Intent

Tremor of Intent

Introduction

Tremor is an uncontrolled movement of part of the body, which often occurs in a regular or rhythmic pattern. Tremor is generally caused by some malfunction of the brain or nervous system which leads to the transmission of the signal to the part of the body, often the face or hands, to move in a way that does not provide any benefit to the body. Some forms of tremor are caused by genetic disorders, while others are symptoms of diseases of various kinds.

One of the more common types of tremor of intent is the inherited condition known as essential tremor of intent. This can strike at any age and is not often serious unless the patient is pursuing some occupation or craft that demands total control of the hands or other affected body part. The tremor of intent has often been countered historically through alcohol use, which is effective but may lead to other problems. Beta-blocker drugs have become popular as more long-term and sustainable options. Essential tremor of intent can also affect the voice and the legs and may be intensified during periods of emotional or physical stress. This can become severe and lead to considerable levels of stress for those experiencing the condition and those close to them (Burgess, 2004).

Tremor of Intent

Thesis Statement

Tremor of intent results from involuntary, alternating, rhythmic contractions of agonist and antagonist muscles and is typically classified by the position of the limb in which it is manifest: rest, postural, or action (kinetic). Rate, amplitude, and rhythmicity are also useful descriptors for tremor of intent when considering its potential causes. There are more than 20 kinds of tremor of intent. While there is overlap in the clinical manifestation of tremor of intent among the various etiologies, it is useful to consider four major categories: parkinsonian, cerebellar, essential tremor of intent, and enhanced physiological tremor of intent (Burgess, 2004).

Parkinsonian tremor of intent is characteristically a 3 to 6 Hz rest tremor of intent described as “pill rolling.” Associated hypokinetic features of rigidity, bradykinesia, and gait and postural instability are seen in idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonian tremor of intent is less commonly seen in atypical parkinsonian syndromes (aka, Parkinson-plus syndromes) such as multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy.

Cerebellar dysfunction resulting from lesions to the cerebellum or its pathways (by infarcts, mass lesions, demyelination, or degenerative diseases) can result in a large amplitude, coarse tremor of intent of the limbs (formerly known as rubral tremor of intent) or trunk (known as titubation) that occurs primarily with action or maintenance of a posture.

Essential tremor of intent is a very common movement disorder that is manifested by an 8 to 12 Hz postural and/or action tremor of intent typically in the upper extremities that is most often familial and alcohol responsive (Moffitt, 1993).

Disorders of Gait

Ataxia mentions to the wide-based wobbly gait and coordination difficulty generally affiliated with cerebellar dysfunction. It is significant to identify that some ataxic gaits are due to proprioceptive sensory ...