Overview
Rare tremor disorder (Orphanet code 306712) refers to an uncommon condition in which a person experiences involuntary, rhythmic shaking movements that do not fit neatly into more well-known tremor categories such as essential tremor or Parkinson's disease tremor. Because this is classified as a rare and often poorly characterized tremor condition, the exact cause may vary from person to person. In some cases, a genetic basis is suspected, while in others the underlying cause remains unclear. The tremor can affect the hands, arms, head, voice, or other parts of the body. It may occur at rest, during movement, or when holding a posture. The severity can range from mild and barely noticeable to significant enough to interfere with daily tasks like writing, eating, or dressing. Some people also experience additional neurological symptoms depending on the specific subtype of the disorder. Treatment is largely symptomatic. Medications commonly used for other tremor disorders — such as beta-blockers, anti-seizure drugs, or certain sedatives — may be tried. Physical and occupational therapy can help people develop strategies to manage daily activities. In severe cases, deep brain stimulation surgery may be considered. Because this is a rare condition, management is often guided by a neurologist with expertise in movement disorders, and treatment plans are highly individualized.
Key symptoms:
Involuntary shaking of the hands or armsHead tremor or nodding movementsVoice trembling or shaky speechTremor that worsens with movement or holding a positionTremor at restDifficulty with fine motor tasks like writing or buttoning clothesTrouble holding objects steadilyBalance or coordination problemsWorsening of tremor with stress or fatigueLeg or trunk tremor in some cases
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Rare tremor disorder.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Rare tremor disorder at this time.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Rare tremor disorder.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Rare tremor disorder.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What specific type of tremor disorder do I have, and is there a known cause?,Should I have genetic testing, and what could the results tell us?,What medications or therapies are most likely to help my type of tremor?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could participate in?,Will my tremor get worse over time, and is there anything I can do to slow progression?,Should my family members be evaluated or tested?,What adaptive tools or strategies can help me with daily tasks?
Common questions about Rare tremor disorder
What is Rare tremor disorder?
Rare tremor disorder (Orphanet code 306712) refers to an uncommon condition in which a person experiences involuntary, rhythmic shaking movements that do not fit neatly into more well-known tremor categories such as essential tremor or Parkinson's disease tremor. Because this is classified as a rare and often poorly characterized tremor condition, the exact cause may vary from person to person. In some cases, a genetic basis is suspected, while in others the underlying cause remains unclear. The tremor can affect the hands, arms, head, voice, or other parts of the body. It may occur at rest,