Examination of Musculoskeletal System

Examination of musculoskeletal system it is important to keep the concept of function in mind. Note any gross abnormalities of mechanical function beginning with the initial introduction to the patient. Continue to observe for such problems throughout the interview and the examination. On a screening examination of a patient who has no musculoskeletal complaints and … [Read more…]

Intention Tremor – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Intention tremor is a dyskinetic disorder characterized by a broad, coarse, and low frequency (below 5 Hz) tremor evident during deliberate and visually-guided movement (hence the name intention tremor). Intention tremor is usually perpendicular to the direction of movement. When experiencing an intention tremor, one often overshoots or undershoots one’s target, a condition known as dysmetria.[rx][rx] Intention tremor is the result of … [Read more…]

Kinetic Tremor – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Kinetic tremor is associated with any voluntary movement, such as moving the wrists up and down or closing and opening the eyes.  A kinetic tremor occurs when a body part is moving. Kinetic tremors occur for example, when the arm is moving toward the mouth to eat. Parkinson’s tremors classically occur at two characteristic times. One is at rest. The other … [Read more…]

Postural Tremor – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Postural tremor occurs when holding a position against gravity, such as holding your arm or leg outstretched. Task-specific tremors occur during a specific activity, such as writing. Kinetic tremors occur during movement of a body part, such as moving your wrist up and down. Causes of Postural Tremor Generally, tremor is caused by a problem in the deep parts of … [Read more…]

Essential Tremor – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Essential tremor (previously also called benign essential tremor or familial tremor, idiopathic tremor ) is one of the most common movement disorders.  The exact cause of essential tremors is unknown.  For some people, this tremor is mild and remains stable for many years.  The tremor usually appears on both sides of the body but is … [Read more…]

Dystonic Tremor – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Dystonic tremor occurs in people who are affected by dystonia—a movement disorder where incorrect messages from the brain cause muscles to be overactive, resulting in abnormal postures or sustained, unwanted movements.  Dystonic tremor usually appears in young or middle-aged adults and can affect any muscle in the body.  Symptoms may sometimes be relieved by complete relaxation. … [Read more…]

Functional Tremor – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Functional Tremor/Psychogenic tremor (also called functional tremor) can appear as any form of tremor.  It symptoms may vary but often start abruptly and may affect all body parts. The tremor increases in times of stress and decreases or disappears when distracted.  Many individuals with psychogenic tremors have an underlying psychiatric disorder such as depression or … [Read more…]

Psychogenic Tremor – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Psychogenic tremor (also called functional tremor) can appear as any form of tremor.  It symptoms may vary but often start abruptly and may affect all body parts. The tremor increases in times of stress and decreases or disappears when distracted.  Many individuals with psychogenic tremors have an underlying psychiatric disorder such as depression or post-traumatic … [Read more…]

Enhanced Physiological Tremor – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Enhanced physiological tremor is a more noticeable case of physiologic tremor that can be easily seen.  It is generally not caused by a neurological disease but by the reaction to certain drugs, alcohol withdrawal, or medical conditions including an overactive thyroid and hypoglycemia.  It is usually reversible once the cause is corrected Causes of Enhanced … [Read more…]

Shaky Legs Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Shaky legs syndrome, also known as Orthostatic Tremor (OT), is a progressive neurological movement disorder, characterized by high-frequency tremors, predominantly in the legs when in a standing position, and an immediate sense of instability. The term “orthostatic tremor” (OT), also known as “shaky legs syndrome”[rx] was first coined in 1984 by Heilman,[rx] although the earlier … [Read more…]

Idiopathic Orthostatic Tremor – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Idiopathic Orthostatic Tremor, also known as Orthostatic Tremor (OT), is a progressive neurological movement disorder, characterized by high-frequency tremors, predominantly in the legs when in a standing position, and an immediate sense of instability. The term “orthostatic tremor” (OT), also known as “shaky legs syndrome”[rx] was first coined in 1984 by Heilman,[rx] although the earlier … [Read more…]