This report describes general characteristics of the group of diseases classified as hereditary essential tremor. This is a genetically heterogeneous disorder, with multiple genes and mapped loci. A listing of subtypes, as defined by OMIM, can be found in the table below, with links to more detailed reports for subtypes that have been investigated using fly models.
[updated Feb. 2018 by FlyBase; FBrf0222196]
Essential tremor may be the most common human movement disorder. The main feature of essential tremor is postural tremor of the arms, but the head, legs, trunk, voice, jaw, and facial muscles also may be involved. Aggravated by emotions, hunger, fatigue, and temperature extremes, the condition may cause a functional disability or even incapacitation (summary by Higgins et al., 1997; pubmed:9399207). [from MIM:190300; 2018.02.12]
Autosomal dominant inheritance can be demonstrated in most families (summary by Higgins et al., 1997; pubmed:9399207). [from MIM:190300; 2018.02.12]
