Validity of a Performance-Based Test of Function in Essential Tremor

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Abstract
THERE IS considerable variability between individuals with essential tremor (ET) in the severity of their tremor; some have only mild, asymptomatic tremor while others exhibit large-amplitude and debilitating tremors.1-4 The neurological examination provides a means of collecting clinical information on tremor (amplitude, body areas affected),3-6 and quantitative computerized tremor analysis provides a means of precisely measuring specific physiological variables (frequency, displacement).7,8 Although these physical indexes are important, they do not necessarily reflect the functional impact of tremor, which is perhaps the most important factor underlying therapeutic decisions.