Intention Tremor

General or Other | - Others | Intention Tremor (Symptom)


Description

The intention tremor, also known as cerebellar tremor is a disorder characterized by a wide frequency dyskinesia, thick and low (below 5 Hz) tremor. The amplitude of intention tremor increases as a tip approaches the end point of the movement, deliberate and visually guided (hence the name of intention tremor). An intention tremor is generally perpendicular to the direction of motion. By experiencing an intention tremor, often over-or undershoots its target, a condition known as dysmetria.

This type of tremor is the result of a dysfunction of the cerebellum, especially on the same side as the tremor in the side that controls visually guided movements. Depending on the location of damage to the cerebellum, these tremors may be unilateral or bilateral. A variety of causes have been discovered to date, including damage or degradation of the cerebellum, due to neurodegenerative diseases, trauma, tumours, strokes or toxicity.

Causes

Tremor may be caused by: a variety of drugs and prescription medicines; brain, nerve, or movement disorders, including dystonia and certain inherited peripheral neuropathies (such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease); brain tumor; excessive alcohol consumption, alcoholism, or alcohol withdrawal; low blood sugar; multiple sclerosis - can cause an intention tremor; muscle tiredness or weakness; normal aging; overactive thyroid; Parkinson's disease; stress, anxiety, or fatigue can cause a postural tremor; stroke; too much coffee or other caffeinated drink.

Diagnosis and Treatment

For tremors caused by stress, relaxation techniques like meditation, deep relaxation, or breathing exercises are beneficial. For tremors of any cause, caffeine should be avoided and enough sleep recommended. For tremors caused by a medication a physician should be consulted before stopping them.

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