3 Hz postural tremor: A specific and sensitive sign of cerebellar dysfunction in patients with cerebellar ataxia

Abstract

Objective3 Hz postural tremor was described in patients with anterior cerebellar lobe atrophy, however sensitivity and specificity of this sign in degenerative cerebellar diseases has not yet been evaluated. Our aim was to assess the 3 Hz tremor in patients with cerebellar ataxia, compare its sensitivity and specificity with other posturography parameters and to find out a correlation of intensity of 3 Hz tremor with ataxia severity. Methods30 patients with degenerative cerebellar ataxia, a control group of 30 patients with compensated peripheral vestibulopathy and 40 healthy volunteers were examined by posturography. 3 Hz tremor was assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively, its sensitivity and specificity were compared with other standard posturography parameters. Results3 Hz postural tremor was detected in 90% of patients with cerebellar ataxia, with 100% specificity and 90% sensitivity. The sensitivity and specificity of quantitative analysis of 3 Hz tremor was largely superior to standard posturography parameters when differentiating patients with cerebellar ataxia from vestibular impairment and healthy controls. Conclusion3 Hz postural tremor is highly sensitive and specific sign of cerebellar impairment in patients with cerebellar ataxia. SignificanceEvaluation of 3 Hz postural tremor should be a standard part of posturography examination when considering a cerebellar impairment.