A 62-year-old man comes to the physician because of worsening involuntary movements of both arms for the past 7 months. He reports that certain daily activities have become more difficult to perform. His father had a similar condition that was treated with medications. The patient appears anxious. Vital signs are within normal limits. Examination shows a low-amplitude tremor bilaterally when the arms are outstretched. The tremor worsens when he is asked to drink a glass of water. Muscle strength and tone are normal bilaterally. Deep tendon reflexes are 2+ bilaterally. Mental status examination shows no abnormalities. His speech is normal in rate and rhythm. Which of the following additional factors is most likely to be present in this patient's medical history?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Essential tremor most often presents as a tremor of the hands that is suppressed at rest, exacerbated by outstretched arms, and more pronounced during goal-directed movements.  It is often hereditary (autosomal dominant) and can be associated with a head tremor, but it is not associated with other neurologic symptoms.

A 62-Year-Old Man Comes to the Physician Because of Worsening