REVIEW ON ESSENTIAL TREMOR AND PHARMACOTHERAPY

Abstract

Essential tremor is a common movement disorder that interferes with the performance of motor tasks and social

activities. As a consequence, patients experience a reduction in quality of life. The pathophysiology remains not well

understood. Differentiation of essential tremor from other tremor syndromes is important in order for clinicians to better

provide patient education and therapy. When pharmacotherapy is indicated, the standard agents remain propranolol and

primidone. However, additional agents such as benzodiazepines, gabapentin, topiramate, and zonisamide may provide

additional symptomatic benefits. Surgical interventions, such as thalamic deep brain stimulation, and focal injections of

botulinum toxin offer patients an alternative treatment modality when oral pharmacotherapy is inadequate. A treatment

outline is provided to guide clinicians in the management of patients with essential tremor.