Posted: 11/24/2016

Are Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s Disease the Same?

Essential tremor vs. parkinson%e2%80%99s

It can be difficult to ascertain the difference between essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease, both in the early stages of the disease and as it progresses. Different tremor types (rest, postural, kinetic, and intention) can be seen in both essential tremor and Parkinson’s. A patient can also have both diseases at the same time. It takes detailed clinical examination and neurological findings to differentiate patients with each condition.

Essential Tremor vs. Parkinson’s Disease: The Differences

Parkinson’s Disease

Essential Tremor  (ET)

Seen mostly at rest

Seen mostly during action

High amplitude, lower slower frequency tremors

Low amplitude, more variable, ranging from barely perceptible to high amplitude. Higher, faster frequency.

Rarely a family history (less than 10%)

Family history in majority (>50%)

Involves slow movements (bradykinesia), rigidity, stiffness, and problems with walking or balance

Postural, kinetic, postural tremor is easy to see, resting tremor uncommon

Onset usually between 55-65

Onset common during middle age

No effect from drinking alcohol

Alcohol can improve tremor symptoms

Starts on one side of the body and moves to the other side often stays asymmetrical

Usually affects both sides of the body at the same time

Often improves with levodopa

Can improve with primidone and propranolol

Affects hands more than legs, voice and head not affected usually

Hands most commonly affected, but tremor also present in head and voice, rarely present in the legs

Can get worse with emotional stress

Can get worse with emotional stress

Parkinson’s Disease vs. a healthy patient. Source: nih.gov

Why Distinguish Between Parkinson’s and Essential Tremor?

Distinguishing between the two diseases is important in determining the correct course of treatment to pursue, as well as letting patients know how the disease will progress. Parkinson’s disease can be debilitating and tragic, while ET just needs to be treated correctly to be controlled. If you’re not sure if you have essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease, discuss your diagnosis with your doctor. When a patient meets all the diagnostic criteria for one of the two diseases, it’s relatively simple to separate Parkinson’s and essential tremor. But when signs of both diseases appear, it can be difficult to diagnose.

By HelpRx Staff Writer

About the HelpRx.info Blog

HelpRx.info is staffed by experts in the prescription medication industry. Get the latest health, medical news and pharmaceutical news that can save you money and allow you to take charge of your healthcare. With frequent updates about the prescription drug industry as well as medicine news, you'll gain an insider look into the industry and learn more about how to get the best price on your prescriptions while not sacrificing quality.

About HelpRx

Our discounts provide you access to negotiated prices on your prescription drugs at your local pharmacy. We can provide these because we're partnered with OptumRx, a BIG pharmacy benefit provider that provides prescription coverage for MILLIONS of people like you.

Popular Posts

 

Popular Posts

 

About the HelpRx.info Blog

HelpRx.info is staffed by experts in the prescription medication industry. Get the latest health, medical news and pharmaceutical news that can save you money and allow you to take charge of your healthcare. With frequent updates about the prescription drug industry as well as medicine news, you'll gain an insider look into the industry and learn more about how to get the best price on your prescriptions while not sacrificing quality.

About HelpRx

Our discounts provide you access to negotiated prices on your prescription drugs at your local pharmacy. We can provide these because we're partnered with OptumRx, a BIG pharmacy benefit provider that provides prescription coverage for MILLIONS of people like you.

HelpRx logo

About Our Savings:

HelpRx.info is a discount pharmacy service, partnered with a leading pharmacy benefit manager. We negotiate lower prices on prescription medications, that we pass on to our members for free. There is no cost to use our cards and coupon, and anyone can take advantage of our discounts, regardless of healthcare coverage.

Our savings assurance of “up to 75% off” comes from historical data from actual claims. This data includes savings for both brand name and generic medications.