The Contribution of Neuroimaging to the Understanding of Essential Tremor Pathophysiology: a Systematic Review

Cerebellum. 2022 Dec;21(6):1029-1051. doi: 10.1007/s12311-021-01335-7. Epub 2021 Oct 16.

Abstract

Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common movement disorders. Over the last 10 years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shed light on the structural and functional abnormalities possibly involved in ET pathophysiology. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify the cortical and subcortical structures involved and the role that different brain areas play in the pathophysiology of motor and non-motor ET features. We found that structural (grey and white matter) cerebellar damage and connectivity alterations between the cerebellum and various cortical areas play a role in both motor and non-motor symptoms of ET. In particular, many studies found an association between MRI findings and non-motor symptoms.

Keywords: Essential tremor; Grey matter; MRI functional; Magnetic resonance imaging; Systematic review; White matter.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain
  • Cerebellum
  • Essential Tremor* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Neuroimaging