[Orthostatic tremor: an enigmatic condition]

Rev Neurol. 2012 Apr 1;54(7):425-34.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Introduction: Orthostatic tremor is a rare kind of tremor which is clinically characterised by a feeling of instability or being about to fall that is experienced on standing up, which disappears or improves on walking and is absent when sitting or lying down.

Aim: To shed light on the main features of this tremor syndrome.

Development: First, its clinical spectrum is defined, with emphasis on the key characteristics that enable us to make an initial approximation to its syndromes. Then the main neurophysiological features that make up the electromyographic profile of orthostatic tremor are described. Finally, the pathophysiological hypotheses regarding the genesis of this kind of tremor are addressed and the therapeutic options currently available are described.

Conclusions: The convergence of all the data reviewed provides a complete, critical analysis of this enigmatic motor disorder, thus allowing a rigorous approach to its main characteristics, which makes both its clinical recognition and its therapeutic management easier.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Distribution
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cerebellum / physiopathology
  • Comorbidity
  • Deep Brain Stimulation
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Progression
  • Dizziness* / diagnosis
  • Dizziness* / drug therapy
  • Dizziness* / epidemiology
  • Dizziness* / etiology
  • Dizziness* / physiopathology
  • Dizziness* / therapy
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Electromyography
  • Humans
  • Movement Disorders / epidemiology
  • Parkinson Disease / epidemiology
  • Posture
  • Quality of Life
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sex Distribution
  • Tremor* / diagnosis
  • Tremor* / drug therapy
  • Tremor* / epidemiology
  • Tremor* / etiology
  • Tremor* / physiopathology
  • Tremor* / therapy

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antiparkinson Agents

Supplementary concepts

  • Primary orthostatic tremor