admin October 20, 2025
Can Essential Tremor Be Hereditary? Understanding Genetic Risk Factors
Essential Tremor (ET) is one of the most common movement disorders. It’s understandable that people want to know what causes ET. When people develop hand shakings, family members may wonder, “Does this sort of thing run in the family?” and the answer to that may be yes.
Studies have shown that genetics can be an important factor in the development of ET. Many of those diagnosed with ET have parents, grandparents, or close family members who have also experienced similar symptoms. Genetics may only be a part of the puzzle. Not everyone with a family history of ET develops the condition, and some people develop the tremors without any known family members who have the condition.
Knowing the hereditary nature of ET may allow people to detect symptoms of ET earlier, seek treatment sooner, and participate in their healthcare more actively.
What is Essential Tremor?
Essential Tremor is a neurological disorder that is characterized by the belief that people are developing hand tremors that have an involuntary shaking or rhythmic component. Essential Tremor is different from Parkinson’s because the tremors are often not visible at rest.
ET may not be a life-threatening condition, but it may become a challenge to participate in various important aspects of life, such as work or social engagement.
What are the Symptoms of Essential Tremor?
Essential Tremor is characterized by the same symptoms that may be more noticeable over time.
Essential tremor is known to cause the following symptoms:
- Shaking of hands
- Difficulty with legibility
- Shaking of the head
- Shaking of voice
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
- Symptoms of the condition worsen with fatigue
Essential tremor is diagnosed when a person shows symptoms of essential tremor and when the symptoms are deemed to alter day-to-day functioning.
Is Essential Tremor Genetic?
Yes, in a lot of cases, essential tremors become symptomatic in a person after being in the family for a lot of generations. Often, these are called familial essential tremors.
It is also believed that in a lot of people who are diagnosed with essential tremors, almost 50 to 70% of their families will also show the symptoms of essential tremors.
Essential tremor is inherited in families that carry the gene.
How Are Familial Essential Tremors Passed Down?
Familial essential tremors, like a lot of other diseases, are said to show a dominant pattern of inheritance, with one parent having the gene that will ensure that the child has the gene.
Not all people in the family will show the symptoms, and the symptoms of essential tremors show a lot of variation in the families that carry the gene.
Essential tremor is not caused by one gene. The research happening all over the world has identified a lot of the genes that can be said to be responsible for essential tremors, and one of them can cause a lot of cases of essential tremors; however, a lot of other genes can too.
Essential Tremor is thought to be the result of many different genes and environmental factors, making the exact cause complex.
Tremors may occur due to disturbances in areas of the brain that regulate movement.
Research on the genes that cause Essential Tremor may make it possible to better control the disease in the future.
Does Essential Tremor Need Family History to be Diagnosed?
No.
Essential Tremor can occur even if no other family members are affected.
Tremor can occur even with no known family history. This is described as having sporadic essential tremor.
Age-related brain changes and various environmental and biological factors can also play a role.
What are the Other Risk Factors for Essential Tremor?
Even though having family with Essential Tremor is described as the key risk factor, there are other factors that can be attributed to tremor.
Advanced Age
Essential tremor can be diagnosed at any age, but is more likely in older individuals.
Stress & Anxiety
Though stress is not a direct cause of an essential tremor, it may amplify the symptom.
Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation
With a lack of sleep, many individuals report that tremors are more pronounced.
Excessive Caffeine & Stimulants
The more active the nervous system is, the more likely tremors will be noticeable.
How Is Essential Tremor Diagnosed?
As of now, there is no singular clinical test for Essential Tremor.
A diagnosis is typically made based on the patient’s reported symptoms and the physician’s clinical neurological examination.
Medical History
The doctor may ask about:
- When symptoms started
- Do tremors happen during movement or at rest?
- Tremors in the family
- Current medications
- Lifestyle choices
Neurological Examination
A neurologist will assess:
- Tremor patterns
- Moving and fine motor skills
- Organizing and planning skills
- Sustained concentration
- Muscle and joint strength
- Writing and drawing skills
- Tremor control
- Movement speed
- The ability to hold and control various pieces of equipment
Additional Tests
Blood tests may be done to check for:
- Disorders involving the Thyroid
- Deficiency of Vitamins
- Abnormal Metabolism
MRI scans may be ordered to check for other neurological disorders.
Why Family History Matters
Discussing your family medical history along with your symptoms may assist the doctor in making a diagnosis.
A history of tremors in many family members may have a strong influence on the doctor.
It may assist others to recognize symptoms earlier and seek treatment sooner.
A family history of tremors does not indicate that other family members will have essential tremors.
Treatment Options for Essential Tremor
Because there is no cure for essential tremors, many people are able to control their symptoms.
They may use any combination of the following:
- Drugs
- Physical therapies
- Psycho therapies
- Changes in daily living
- Control of life stresses
For severe Essential Tremors, the following are treatment options:
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- MR-guided Focused Ultrasound
The choice of treatment is based upon symptoms and the person receiving the treatment.
Conclusion
Essential tremors are a hereditary condition that is passed through the genes of the family. Many people have relatives who display the same symptoms. It is a clear example of the role of genes in the development of this disorder.
But other things can cause tremors. Changes in the brain (not just genetics), age, and lifestyle can contribute to the issues. Family history or not, it is important to diagnose and treat tremors early to manage symptoms and allow for an excellent quality of life.
If you notice you have tremors, it can be helpful to get a referral to a neurologist for diagnosis, peace of mind, and treatment.
FAQs
1. Is this condition only inherited?
No. This condition is inherited in many cases, but there is a portion of the population that develops tremors with no family history of the condition.
2. If a parent develops this condition, does that mean their child will?
No. If your parent or family member develops tremors, there is an increased chance of you developing them; however, it is not certain.
3. Is there a way to test for essential tremors?
No. Currently, the diagnosis of this condition is through examination and assessment of the patient’s history and is not based on a neurological test.