Differential Diagnosis for Tremors
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Essential Tremor: This is the most common cause of tremors, characterized by a bilateral, symmetric tremor that typically affects the hands, but can also involve the head, voice, or other body parts. It is often familial and can be exacerbated by stress, fatigue, or certain medications.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Parkinson's Disease: A neurodegenerative disorder that can cause a resting tremor, often accompanied by other symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability.
- Enhanced Physiological Tremor: An exacerbation of the normal physiological tremor that everyone experiences, often caused by factors such as stress, anxiety, fatigue, or certain medications.
- Cerebellar Tremor: A tremor that occurs due to damage to the cerebellum, often caused by stroke, trauma, or neurodegenerative diseases.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Wilson's Disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause tremors, as well as liver disease and psychiatric symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to severe disability and death.
- Thyrotoxicosis: A condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland, which can cause tremors, as well as other symptoms such as weight loss, palpitations, and anxiety.
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause tremors, as well as other symptoms such as hypertension, palpitations, and sweating.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Huntington's Disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause tremors, as well as other symptoms such as chorea, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms.
- Multiple Sclerosis: A rare autoimmune disease that can cause tremors, as well as other symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and vision problems.
- Spinocerebellar Ataxia: A group of rare genetic disorders that can cause tremors, as well as other symptoms such as ataxia, dysarthria, and ophthalmoplegia.