Benign Essential Tremor (BET)

Your Path

  • Benign essential tremor (BET)

Risk Factors

  • Can be familial
  • Risk increases w/age, in particular > 70

Symptoms

  • Progressive
  • Present w/action
  • Most noticeable in hands
  • Worse with fine movements
  • Exacerbated by stimulants
  • Often improves w/use of CNS depressants (e.g. alcohol, benzodiazepines)
  • Interferes w/activities of daily living

Physical Exam Findings

  • More apparent if ask patient to do fine motor: pour water, write signature
  • Usually asymmetric
  • Worse with arms held out (against gravity)
  • Can affect voice, head

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