Dopaminergic Influences on Rest and Action Parkinsonian Tremors and Emerging Therapies for Tremor

Abstract

While pharmacological and surgical treatments remain the primary treatment options for tremor, recent research and technological advances have the potential to lead to improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms of tremor, as well as the potential for new noninvasive treatments. Since Parkinsonian resting tremor has been well documented (see Chap. 7), this chapter examines the relationship between resting and coexisting physiological tremor in a Parkinson disease (PD) patient. This is accomplished with the demonstration of a patient with an unusually severe but dopa-responsive tremor. With improved understanding of the mechanisms of tremor, the chapter then also reviews new emerging therapies including tremor orthoses, different models of electrical and magnetic stimulation, and other alternative therapies.