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. 2006 Mar;2(1):95–100.

Table 1.

Primary, secondary, and key criteria in ET differential diagnosis

Primary criteria

  • – Bilateral action tremor of the hands and forearms (but no tremor while at rest)

  • – Lack of other neurological signs, except the “gear-wheel” phenomenon

  • – Isolated head tremor could be present, with no anomalous postures or dystonies

Secondary criteria

  • – Long period of time (> 3 years)

  • – Family history

  • – Reduction with intake of alcoholic beverages

“To be differentiated”

  • – Unilateral tremor, focal tremor, tremor of the legs, walking disorder, stiffness, bradykinesia, tremor at rest

  • – Sudden or rapid appearance

  • – Simultaneous therapy with tremor causing or tremor increasing drugs

  • – Isolated head tremor with anomalous postures (bending or rotation)

Adapted from: Elble (2000).