Neurology

Answer 3 Action tremor. The tremor of Parkinson’s disease characteristically occurs at rest. Movement typically suppresses the dyskinesia. However, postural and/or kinetic tremor does not exclude the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.6 The resting tremor typically is of low frequency (4 to 8 Hz). Observation of repetitive stroking of the index finger across the thumb by patients with the disease has led to the characterization “pill-rolling.” Tremor is usually noted in the hands and arms and, although asymmetric at onset, extends to other extremities as well as the trunk. An inner tremor, possessing no superficial expression, has been described and can be a source of substantial discomfort and disability. The severity of the tremor is modified by factors such as stress and anxiety. REFERENCE 6. Playfer JR. Parkinsonšs disease. Postgrad Med J 1997;73:257-64. Click here to return to the questions

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