Essential Tremor

The VCU Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center offers specialized evaluation and treatment services for essential tremor. This is an interdisciplinary program providing consultations to meet our patients’ individual needs. We strive to integrate expert clinical care with clinical research that advances knowledge in Essential Tremor (ET).

Our care team will create an individualized treatment plan for each patient, which will be shared with your primary physician and any local care providers to help coordinate ongoing follow-up. The team is available to assist patients and families assess the pros and cons of surgical treatments, medications, and other non-medication treatments, to find the best treatment plan for each person.

There are also opportunities to participate in essential tremor clinical research projects.

Clinical Research

Our clinical research projects are conducted in the same building as clinical appointments.

For more information, contact Ginger Norris, MGC vwnorris@vcu.edu or (804) 662-5307.

What is Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder and it is estimated to affect up to 4% of people over the age of 60. The tremor occurs with actions, like writing, eating, drinking and typing, and can range from annoying to socially embarrassing to severely disabling. Currently, there is no known cause and limited effective treatment options. ET has potential overlaps, both in symptoms and risk factors, with other disorders such as Parkinson's disease and dystonia.