Print

Print


Overview of human tremor physiology.

The physiology differs in the many forms of human tremor.

Tremors may derive from mechanical oscillations, mechanical reflex
oscillations, normal central oscillators, and pathologic central oscillators.

Methods of studying tremor include accelerometry and electromyography (EMG).

An excellent method consists of accelerometry and EMG combined with
spectral analysis and weighting of the body part, which allows separation
of tremors coming from mechanical reflex and central oscillators.

Physiologic tremor is a mechanical tremor with a possible contribution of
the normal 8-12 Hz central oscillator; exaggerated physiologic tremor is a
mechanical reflex tremor.

Essential tremor (ET) comes from a central oscillator that can be easily
influenced with sensory input.

The classic rest tremor of Parkinson's disease (PD) comes from a central
oscillator that seems less easily influenced with sensory input but can be
affected by transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Other tremors with central oscillators are palatal tremor and orthostatic
tremor.

Other tremors whose physiology involves central loops includes cerebellar
tremor and cortical tremor.

Neuropathic tremors may be a result of delays in peripheral loops, but
central oscillators play a role in some.


Mov Disord 1998;13 Suppl 3:43-8
Hallett M
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1428, USA.
PMID: 9827594, UI: 99043296
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/>

------------------------------------------------------------
janet paterson   52 now 41 dx 37 onset  [log in to unmask]
613-256-8340   PO Box 171  Almonte  Ontario  K0A 1A0  Canada
a  new  voice  <http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Village/6263/>
------------------------------------------------------------