Tremor

The classic type of tremor seen in Parkinson's disease is a rest tremor that occurs when the individual is relaxed and at rest. The affected person may appear to be rolling a pill, due to the movement of the index finger and thumb. The tremor in the limb usually, but not always, subsides when the individually purposefully moves that limb. This sign is present in about 75% of patients; its absence in the other 25% of patients make diagnosis slightly more difficult.

Rest tremor begins on one side of the body in the early stages of Parkinson's disease, and subsequently involves the other side, often years later. Therefore, 'asymmetric rest tremor' is considered a hallmark symptom of early Parkinson's disease. It can also affect the legs, chin, or jaw (as in a chewing motion).

A voice or a head tremor may suggest conditions other than Parkinson's disease such as essential tremor or a dystonic head tremor.

Click the Play button beneath each video to see examples of hand and leg tremor in Parkinson's disease.

Hand tremor.	Leg tremor.