Tremor and idiopathic dystonia.

The clinical and electromyographic characteristics of tremor were studied in 45 patients presenting with various forms of idiopathic dystonia. Dystonic tremor was shown to be postural, localized, and irregular in amplitude and periodicity, absent during muscle relaxation, exacerbated by smooth muscle contraction, and associated frequently with myoclonus. Although it resembles essential tremor, dystonic tremor seems to be a distinct entity: it is more irregular with a broader range of frequencies; it is asymmetric and remains localized; myoclonus is sometimes associated. This type of tremor is most often seen in the presence of dystonia, but may be observed without evident dystonic symptoms.