Differential Diagnosis for Tremor
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Essential Tremor: This is the most common cause of tremor, 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 presents with a resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability. The tremor is typically unilateral and asymmetric at onset.
- Enhanced Physiological Tremor: An exacerbation of the normal physiological tremor that everyone experiences, often due to stress, anxiety, fatigue, or certain medications such as beta-agonists or caffeine.
- Dystonic Tremor: A tremor that occurs in association with dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions leading to abnormal postures.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Wilson's Disease: A rare genetic disorder that leads to copper accumulation in the brain and liver, causing a tremor, ataxia, and psychiatric symptoms. If missed, it can lead to severe neurological damage and death.
- Thyroid Storm: A life-threatening condition that occurs in untreated or undertreated hyperthyroidism, presenting with tremors, tachycardia, fever, and agitation.
- Meningitis or Encephalitis: Infections that can cause tremors, along with fever, headache, and altered mental status. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Orthostatic Tremor: A rare condition characterized by a tremor that occurs when standing, often accompanied by unsteadiness and difficulty walking.
- Cerebellar Tremor: A tremor that results from damage to the cerebellum, which can be caused by stroke, trauma, or degenerative diseases.
- Huntington's Disease: A rare genetic disorder that causes progressive damage to the brain, leading to chorea (involuntary movements), tremors, and cognitive decline.
- Spinocerebellar Ataxias: A group of rare genetic disorders that affect the cerebellum and spinal cord, causing ataxia, tremors, and other neurological symptoms.