Benign Essential Tremor

Benign essential tremor is a common movement disorder characterized by postural or kinetic tremor, predominantly affecting the hands and forearms. It is thought to involve dysregulation of the cerebellothalamocortical pathways, with a hereditary component in many cases. Symptoms are typically progressive, exacerbated by stress, fatigue, or caffeine. Diagnosis is clinical, with neuroimaging used to exclude secondary causes. Management includes pharmacotherapy (propranolol, primidone), botulinum toxin injections for severe tremor, and surgical interventions such as deep brain stimulation; prognosis is generally good, with functional impairment increasing over decades.