From the Guidelines
Yes, Wilson's disease can cause head tremors, as evidenced by neurologic findings that may manifest as motor abnormalities with Parkinsonian characteristics, including tremors and dysarthria 1. Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder that leads to excessive copper accumulation in the body, particularly in the liver and brain. When copper builds up in brain tissue, it can damage neurons and lead to various neurological symptoms. The neurologic evaluation should be performed on patients with presymptomatic and hepatic Wilson’s disease, and consultation with a neurologist is recommended for evaluation of patients with evident neurologic symptoms before treatment or soon after treatment is initiated 1.
Some key points to consider in Wilson's disease include:
- Neurologic disease may manifest as motor abnormalities with Parkinsonian characteristics of dystonia, hypertonia, and rigidity, choreic or pseudosclerotic, with tremors and dysarthria 1
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography of the brain may detect structural abnormalities in the basal ganglia, which can be associated with neurological symptoms 1
- The Unified Wilson’s disease Rating Scale (UWDRS) is a proposed scale to describe neurological signs and their severity, but more research is needed to establish a commonly accepted scale 1
- Treatment for Wilson disease involves copper-chelating medications, which help remove excess copper from the body, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent progression of neurological symptoms, including tremors 1.
It is essential to note that the evidence from the study published in the Journal of Hepatology in 2012 1 provides the most recent and highest quality information on Wilson's disease, and its findings should be prioritized when making clinical decisions. The treatment of Wilson's disease should focus on removing excess copper from the body and preventing further accumulation, which can help alleviate neurological symptoms, including head tremors 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Introduction Wilson's disease (hepatolenticular degeneration) is an autosomal recessive metabolic defect in hepatic excretion of copper in the bile, resulting in accumulation of excess copper in the liver, and subsequently in other organs, including the brain, kidneys, eyes, bone, and muscles In this disease, hepatocytes store excess copper, but when their capacity is exceeded copper is released into the blood and is taken up in extrahepatic sites, such as the brain, resulting in motor disorders (ataxia, tremors, speech difficulties) and psychiatric manifestations (irritability, depression, deterioration of work performance)
Yes, Wilson's disease can cause head tremors, as it results in motor disorders including tremors due to the accumulation of excess copper in the brain 2.
From the Research
Wilson's Disease and Head Tremors
- Wilson's disease is a rare genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the body, leading to damage in various organs, including the brain 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The disease can cause a range of neurological symptoms, including movement disorders such as tremors, dystonia, parkinsonism, ataxia, and chorea 4, 5.
- Head tremors are a possible symptom of Wilson's disease, as the disease can affect the brain and cause damage to the basal ganglia, which are responsible for controlling movement 4, 6.
- Studies have shown that patients with Wilson's disease often present with a combination of neurological symptoms, including tremors, dysarthria, and dysphagia 4, 5.
- The severity of neurological symptoms, including head tremors, can vary depending on the individual and the extent of brain damage caused by the disease 6.
- Treatment for Wilson's disease typically involves the use of chelating agents or zinc to reduce copper levels in the body, and early treatment can help to prevent or reverse neurological symptoms, including head tremors 3, 4, 7.