Parkinson’s vs. Essential Tremor: Key Differences, Symptoms, and How to Tell Them Apart

What Is the Difference Between Parkinson’s Disease and Essential Tremor?
Tremors can be frightening. When a hand begins to shake, many people immediately worry about Parkinson’s disease. However, not all tremors are Parkinson’s. One of the most common movement disorders is essential tremor (ET) — a condition that is often confused with Parkinson’s disease (PD) because both involve shaking.

Here’s what’s important to know:
Although Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor may look similar at first glance, they are very different conditions with distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments.  Continue reading to find out more.

Understanding Essential Tremor:
Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that primarily causes shaking during movement. It most often affects the hands but can also impact the head, voice, or arms.

Key features of essential tremor:

• Tremor occurs during action (writing, eating, holding objects)
• Usually affects both sides of the body
• May improve temporarily with small amounts of alcohol
• Often runs in families
• Does not typically include stiffness or slowed movement

Essential tremor is generally not life-threatening, but it can interfere with daily activities and quality of life.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease:
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, coordination, and balance. It is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.
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Key features of Parkinson’s disease:

• Tremor often occurs at rest (when hands are relaxed)
• Usually begins on one side of the body
• Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
• Muscle stiffness (rigidity)
• Balance and posture problems
• Reduced facial expression
• Softer voice

Unlike essential tremor, Parkinson’s includes additional motor and non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, constipation, and changes in mood or cognition.

Parkinson’s vs. Essential Tremor:  Side-by-Side Comparison:

Feature                                              Essential Tremor                               Parkinson’s Disease
When tremor happens                  During movement                              At rest
Body involvement                           Often both sides                                  Usually starts on one side
Other symptoms                              Tremor only                                           Slowness, stiffness, balance issues
Progression                                       Slowly worsens                                     Progressive neurological disease
Family history                                   Common                                                Less common

Because symptoms can overlap, diagnosis should always be made by a healthcare professional — ideally a neurologist or movement disorder specialist.

Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters:
Correct diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment. Medications, therapies, and lifestyle strategies differ between Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Early evaluation can also ease anxiety and provide clarity.

Why Support Matters:
A diagnosis of any form of Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. But with the right support and resources, individuals can maintain independence, quality of life, and emotional well-being.
For resources, referrals, and support in navigating Parkinson’s and related conditions, contact the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida at www.paswfl.org or call 239-417-3465.

For over 25 years, PASWFL has provided free, high-quality services and programs to individuals and families touched by Parkinson’s disease in Southwest Florida. Their goal is simple: help people live well with PD, regardless of where they are in their journey.
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Each week, PASWFL offers more than 25 free programs and support groups, including:

• Wellness and fitness classes
• Speech Exercise classes
• Educational seminars
• Support for care partners
• Support groups

There are no fees to become a member, and PASWFL welcomes anyone touched by PD.

Take the First Step Toward Living Well
If you suspect early Parkinson’s or have been recently diagnosed, you don’t have to face it alone.
👉 Sign up for the PASWFL newsletter:
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup-enews.html
👉 Become a member — it’s free and confidential:
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup.html
To learn more, visit www.paswfl.org and discover the power of support, education, and community.