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Essential Tremor vs. Parkinson’s Disease: Understanding Key Differences

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Reviewed by:

Dr. Jennie Stanford

Updated at: November 27, 2024

Table of Contents

  1. About Parkinson’s Disease

    1. Symptoms of Parkinson’s

  2. About Essential Tremor

    1. Symptoms of Essential Tremor

  3. Risk Factors

    1. Essential Tremor Risk Factors

    2. Parkinson’s Risk Factors

  4. The Diagnosis Process

  5. Final Thoughts

f you notice shaking in your hands or another part of your body, understandably, you may feel concerned. Your first thought might be, “What if I have Parkinson’s disease?” However, there is another far more common condition called an“essential tremor” that can cause similar shaking. 

These two conditions are easily confused; a doctor can help you diagnose to see which one you have.

About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disease that causes basal ganglia deterioration in the brain.

Men are more likely than women to develop Parkinson’s disease, and the average age of onset is 60. Around 1% of people over this age have Parkinson’s disease. The average life expectancy with this disease is 14.5 years.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s

The basal ganglia deterioration in Parkinson’s disease leads to problems with muscle control, movement, balance, cognition, digestion, sense of smell, and more.

Essential tremor only includes a tremor. It does not include the other symptoms that can affect patients with Parkinson’s disease.

About Essential Tremor

Unlike Parkinson’s disease, an essential tremor is not a disease. It is a harmless condition of the nervous system. It may cause some minor inconveniences, but if you have this condition, it does not need to worry you.

The condition is most common over the age of 40, but anyone at any age can have essential tremor.


Symptoms of Essential Tremor

Essential tremor produces rhythmic shaking. It is most common for this to occur in either or both hands, but other body parts can also be affected. Sometimes the head may shake or nod.

Whereas Parkinson’s disease-associated tremors are most obvious when at rest, an essential tremor is most noticeable while performing tasks. Symptoms may also be more pronounced in hot or cold weather, after consuming caffeine, or while tired or stressed.

Risk Factors

Now that we have discussed symptoms, let’s go over risk factors for Parkinson’s disease-related tremors vs. essential tremors.

Nov 27, 2024

Essential Tremor Risk Factors

Being over the age of 40 and having a particular altered gene increases your chances of developing an essential tremor.

Parkinson’s Risk Factors

Genetics can predispose a person to Parkinson’s disease. Being exposed to pesticides also may increase the chances of getting this disease.

The Diagnosis Process

A neurological examination and some simple performance tests are sufficient to diagnose an essential tremor. Your doctor may also order some blood and urine tests to rule out other possible conditions.

If you display symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, your doctor will want to evaluate you specifically for that disease.

To diagnose Parkinson’s, your doctor may order genetic tests, blood tests, an MRI, a CT scan, and/or a PET scan.

Final Thoughts

Many people with an essential tremor do not necessarily need to actively treat the condition. If your tremor causes you difficulties, however, you can take beta blockers or anti-seizure medications. Botox or tranquilizers can also be used.

Parkinson’s disease, however, requires treatment and management (there is no known cure). Some treatment options include medications, deep brain stimulation, and experimental treatments. 

You may need to make certain lifestyle adjustments as well. For example, many patients with Parkinson’s disease have difficulties walking, and develop a distinctive gait. 

Wearing shoes for Parkinson’s disease can help by making it easy to cross uneven surfaces, thanks to patented variable friction technology. These shoes also feature a design that enhances comfort and stability.

Working with a doctor you trust on a treatment plan can help you manage your condition effectively so you can maximize your quality of life.

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FAQ

What is the best treatment for essential tremor?

In many cases, no treatment is necessary. If you do require treatment, you and your doctor can work together to find the best one for you.

What is shaking disease not Parkinson's?

You are probably thinking of essential tremor, a condition that is commonly mixed up with Parkinson’s. Essential tremor, however, is a harmless condition.

What are the early signs of Parkinson's?

Common early signs according to Parkinson’s Foundation include tremor, small handwriting, loss of smell, trouble moving, walking or sleeping, constipation, masked face, dizziness, fainting, a soft voice, and hunching over.

What is often mistaken for Parkinson's?

Conditions often mistaken for Parkinson’s include essential tremor, dementia with lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal syndrome, and normal pressure hydrocephalus.

What is the root cause of essential tremors?

An altered gene appears to play a role in the development of essential tremor.

Posted by: Johannes Sauer

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Reviewed by: Dr. Jennie Stanford

Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator. Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Stanford is board-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine. She is passionately involved in medical education, dedicating her time to mentoring and advancing the field.

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