Understanding essential tremor

Essential tremor affects nearly one per cent of the world’s population, increasing to four per cent of those over 40. The involuntary shaking of hands is the most common symptom, but symptoms can also include shaking of the head and legs. Often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor has less severe health impacts, but does get worse over time and can have debilitating consequences. Until recently the genetic mechanism behind the disease remained unknown.