Essential tremor
MONDO:0003233A relatively common disorder characterized by a fairly specific pattern of tremors which are most prominent in the upper extremities and neck, inducing titubations of the head. The tremor is usually mild, but when severe may be disabling. An autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance may occur in some families (i.e., familial tremor). (Mov Disord 1988;13(1):5-10)
Also known as: essential hereditary tremor, tremor, hereditary essential
96 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Broader categories
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Brain zapping showdown: which target tames tremors best?
Disease control CompletedThis study tested two different spots in the brain for deep brain stimulation (DBS) to control essential tremor. Eleven people who did not get relief from medication had electrodes placed in both the usual target (VIM) and a newer one (PSA). The goal was to see if the newer spot …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Fundación Pública Andaluza para la Investigación Biomédica Andalucía Oriental • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:06 UTC
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Ultrasound zaps tremors in both hands: tiny trial shows promise
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a device called ExAblate that uses focused ultrasound to treat severe hand tremors from essential tremor. Seven people who had already been treated on one side received a second treatment on the other side at least 9 months later. The goal was to see if it was s…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: InSightec • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:04 UTC
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New brain scan could end misdiagnosis of Parkinson's and tremor
Diagnosis CompletedThis study tested a new PET scan tracer, [18F] LBT-999, to see if it can distinguish Parkinson's disease from essential tremor as well as the current standard SPECT scan. Researchers compared the two imaging methods in 152 patients. If the PET scan works equally well, it could of…
Phase: PHASE3 • Sponsor: GE Healthcare • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:58 UTC
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Smart wristband zaps tremors away in Parkinson's and essential tremor
Symptom relief CompletedThis pilot study tested a wrist-worn device called Felix that delivers gentle electrical stimulation to suppress hand tremors. The device uses artificial intelligence to adjust stimulation in real time based on each person's tremor. 38 adults with essential tremor or Parkinson's …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Fasikl Inc. • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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New targeting method may allow tremor surgery without being awake
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a new way to guide deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for essential tremor. Normally, patients must be awake during surgery to help doctors find the right spot in the brain. The new method uses a computer model to target the area while the patient is asleep. T…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Bordeaux • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
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Botox-Like shots may calm shaky hands in essential tremor
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a single injection of botulinum toxin (NT 201) can reduce hand tremors in people with essential tremor. 78 participants received either the drug or a placebo, and neither they nor the researchers knew who got what. The main goal was to measure tremor imp…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:39 UTC
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Zapping the brain to stop the shakes: small trial shows promise
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a mild electrical current applied to the back of the head (cerebellum) can reduce shaking in people with essential tremor. Sixteen adults whose usual treatments weren't working well took part. Researchers measured tremor changes using rating scales and m…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:23 UTC
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Botox for shaky heads? new study tests relief
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can reduce head shaking in people with essential head tremor, a condition that often doesn't respond to standard medicines or surgery. About 120 adults with troublesome head tremor received either Botox or a placebo sho…
Phase: PHASE3 • Sponsor: University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:23 UTC
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Ice on trigger points calms Swimmers' tremors, small study hints
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether applying cold packs to muscle knots (trigger points) in the legs could reduce the shaking that happens after a hard swimming sprint. Thirty-four teen competitive swimmers did a 30-second all-out swim with and without the cold treatment. The goal was to s…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
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Botox shots aim to steady shaky hands in common tremor disorder
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether BOTOX injections can safely reduce hand tremors in people with essential tremor, a condition that makes everyday tasks like writing or drinking difficult. About 174 adults aged 18 to 80 received either BOTOX or a placebo injection over three 12-week cycl…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: AbbVie • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:13 UTC
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Vibration wristband could steady shaky hands
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a wrist-worn device that uses gentle vibrations to reduce hand tremors in people with essential tremor. 71 participants used the device on demand. Researchers measured how comfortable it was and if it helped with daily tasks like using a spoon or pouring milk. T…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Encora, Inc. • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:52 UTC
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Brain study sheds light on Parkinson's and tics
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke aimed to better understand how the brain controls movement and what goes wrong in movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, Tourette's syndrome, and dystonia. Over 1,200 adults—both patients …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 04, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Tiny trial aims to perfect brain stimulation timing for Parkinson's
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tests a device that synchronizes two types of brain stimulation — deep brain stimulation (DBS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) — in people with Parkinson's disease. Only 2 participants will be enrolled to see if the device can lock the timing of…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 02, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Essential tremor may cloud decisions and emotions, study finds
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether people with essential tremor have trouble making decisions or recognizing facial emotions. Researchers compared 39 patients with healthy volunteers using special tests. The goal was to understand how the condition might affect daily social life.
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Bordeaux • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
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Scientists watch tremors up close to unlock brain secrets
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at 85 people with tremor conditions like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, plus healthy volunteers. Researchers used tests like brain scans, electrical recordings, and movement tasks to learn how the brain controls movement and what goes wrong…
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
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Alcohol's effect on tremors put to the test
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how alcohol affects tremors in people with essential tremor, dystonia, and Parkinson's disease. 45 participants received either an alcoholic drink or a non-alcoholic placebo on separate days. Researchers measured tremor changes using a motion sensor and clini…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Medical University of Graz • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:35 UTC
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Brain-Body signals could reveal hidden patterns in autism, ADHD, and Alzheimer's
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study at Rutgers University looked at how the brain and body communicate in 30 people with conditions like autism, ADHD, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. Participants performed natural movements like walking and pointing while their brain, heart, and motion signals we…
Sponsor: Rutgers University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:25 UTC
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Robot brain surgery accuracy put to the test
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested how accurately a robot system called Neurolocate helps place electrodes in the brain during deep brain stimulation surgery. It involved 18 adults with Parkinson's disease, dystonia, or tremor. The goal was to see if the robot could improve precision, reduce surg…
Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
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Scientists peek inside the brain during tremor surgery
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at brain signals in 21 people with essential tremor or Parkinson's disease during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. Researchers placed temporary recording strips on the brain's surface to capture electrical activity. The goal was to learn how DBS calms the t…
Sponsor: University of Florida • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:10 UTC
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Zapping the cerebellum: new hope for tremor and dystonia?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study tested deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the cerebellum's dentate nucleus to treat movement disorders like tremor, dystonia, and ataxia. Researchers used advanced MRI and electrical recordings to guide electrode placement in 20 adults. The goal was to see if th…
Sponsor: Kleber Paiva Duarte • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:58 UTC
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New ultrasound technique could quiet hand tremors without drugs
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether ultrasound imaging can help understand and suppress tremors in people with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor. Researchers used ultrasound to watch hand muscles during grasping motions and developed models to predict tremor. They then used mild elec…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: North Carolina State University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:56 UTC
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Wrist-Worn gadget could help doctors monitor Parkinson's at home
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested a wrist-worn device called the Personal KinetiGraph (PKG) to see if it can accurately measure movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease. Nineteen participants wore the device while researchers compared its readings to standard clinical tests and video…
Sponsor: Global Kinetics Corporation • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:54 UTC
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Eye-Tracking sheds light on brain disorders
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study used eye-tracking to explore how the brain adapts movements in people with dystonia, essential tremor, or Parkinson disease. Researchers measured eye movements before and after a task to look for signs of cerebellar dysfunction. The study included 14 particip…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 13:29 UTC