Clinical neurophysiology for tremor: Common questions in clinical practice

Abstract

Background: A thorough history and physical examination may be insufficient for comprehensively studying patients with tremor. In such instances, neurophysiology serves as an adjunct to the physical examination.

Objectives: Our aim is to present compelling evidence supporting the utilization of neurophysiological studies in various tremor conditions.

Methods: A panel of global experts, convened by the Study Group on Clinical Neurophysiology for Movement Disorders, examined the application and utility of neurophysiology across diverse movement disorders.

Results: This manuscript provides a detailed methodology for electrophysiological studies in tremors helping to differentiate them from myoclonus, comparing tremor in parkinson vs atypical parkinsonisms, describing dystonic tremor, describing the differences between Parkinson and essential tremor and the characteristics of functional tremor.

Conclusions: Neurophysiological studies play a crucial role in characterizing tremor syndromes and aiding in their differentiation from other hyperkinetic movement disorders.

Keywords: Electrophysiology; Movement disorders; Neurophysiology; Tremor.