Tongue tremor: a rare initial presentation of essential tremor

Abstract

Tongue tremor is commonly associated with essential tremor, but rarely presents as an initial finding. Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder and is characterised by 4–12 Hz postural and kinetic tremor, but there is no universally accepted diagnostic criterion. It commonly affects the arms, and to a lesser extent, other regions of the body, and signs and symptoms tend to worsen during emotional or physiological stress. We describe a rare isolated presentation of tongue tremor as a part of essential tremor, its management, and the diagnostic dilemma. To our knowledge isolated tongue tremor as a presentation of essential tremor has not previously been described in maxillofacial publications.