Is Essential Tremor a Form of Parkinson’s?

Understanding the Difference Between Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s Disease
Many people often wonder: Is essential tremor a form of Parkinson’s? While both conditions involve shaking or tremors, essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are two distinct neurological disorders with different causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.

What Is Essential Tremor? 

Essential tremor is a nervous system (neurological) disorder that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking. It most commonly affects the hands, but it can also involve the head, voice, and other parts of the body. Essential tremor is often inherited and tends to worsen with movement (known as action tremor).

What Is Parkinson’s Disease? 

Parkinson’s disease, on the other hand, is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain. Tremors in Parkinson’s are typically resting tremors—meaning they occur when the muscles are relaxed—and are often accompanied by stiffness, slowness of movement, and balance problems.
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Key Differences:
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• Tremor Timing: Essential tremor happens during activity, while Parkinson’s tremor typically occurs at rest.
• Other Symptoms: Parkinson’s includes a wide range of symptoms beyond tremor, such as bradykinesia (slowness), rigidity, and postural instability.
• Progression: Essential tremor usually progresses slowly and affects quality of life but does not shorten lifespan. Parkinson’s is progressive and can impact multiple areas of the body over time.

So, while the symptoms may appear similar, essential tremor is not a form of Parkinson’s disease. They are two separate conditions that require different diagnostic evaluations and treatment plans.

Empowering Southwest Florida’s Parkinson’s CommunityFor over twenty-five years, the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) has provided effective programs and services that improve the quality of life, educate, enrich, and empower our Southwest Floridians touched by PD and related neurological diseases.

Each week, PASWFL offers more than 25 free programs and support groups for members with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. There are no fees to become a member! Visit us online to learn more: www.parkinsonassociationswfl.org

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Let PASWFL be your partner in navigating Parkinson’s—because no one should face it alone. 💙