GP Dr Roger Henderson outlines the features, causes and management strategies for essential tremor and explains how nurses in general practice and the community can support patients living with this common movement disorder.
Module summary
Essential tremor is the most common pathological tremor in humans and one of the most frequent movement disorders encountered in clinical practice. It is characterised by rhythmic, involuntary shaking – most often of the hands and forearms – that occurs during voluntary movement or when maintaining a posture. Although classically considered a benign condition, essential tremor can cause significant functional impairment, embarrassment, anxiety and reduced quality of life.
In the UK, essential tremor affects around one million people, but the condition is under-recognised and often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease. Nurses in general practice and the community play a key role in identifying early symptoms, supporting diagnostic assessment, educating patients and optimising lifestyle and pharmacological management.
This module provides an evidence-based overview of essential tremor, including the clinical presentation and key principles of diagnosis and management, drawing on current NICE guidance and best-practice recommendations.
Learning objectives
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
- Define essential tremor and differentiate it from other causes of tremor.
- Describe the epidemiology and potential genetic and environmental risk factors.
- Recognise the key clinical features and patterns of tremor presentation.
- Take an evidence-based approach to assessment and diagnosis in primary care.
- Discuss pharmacological and non-pharmacological management options, including when to refer to neurology.
- Provide practical lifestyle and psychosocial advice to support individuals living with essential tremor.
Author: Dr Roger Henderson is a GP in Scotland
Date published: 28.11.2025
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