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I think that PD and ET may be distinguished, except that they often occur together. Some authorities claim that ET is much more common than PD and very often misdiagnosed as PD. Little is known about ET because it is so hard to identify, except that tremor seems to originate in the thalamus. Conventional wisdom (not always right) is that primidone, propranolol, and alcohol reduce the tremor of ET but not that of PD, and that levodopa controls the tremor of PD but not that of ET. When I was first diagnosed with PD I didn't have all the usual symptoms, and thought the effects above clearly indicated ET. But on the meuro's advice I started levodopa anyway, and after a few months its effects indicated that I had PD after all. Now I take meds for both conditions, so which is which doesn't matter that much. Trust your neuro, at least for starters, as he should spot many subtle signs that you may not notice. Cheers, Joe J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks CA 91403 On Wed, 6 Nov 1996, Joe Huskey wrote: > Hello Folks, > I am a newcomer. I have a question. On this exchange I see lots > of references to first symptoms but little explanation of what these > really are. Shaking of hands, fingers,etc.? NOt sure if a relative > of mine has PD or not but essential tremor for sure if not pd. > Would appreciate responses. Joe Huskey > > Joe Huskey, Ph.D. > Advising Coordinator > College of Education > Southeast Missouri State University > [log in to unmask] >