ET v PD

Obvious-- age onset, duration, family history and response to ETOH

Subtle-- Body part affected                handwriting            associated signs     natural history

 

PD            hand, foot, chin lips            micrographic           +                        progressive

ET             hand, head, voice               tremor not micro      absent                insidious

 

Pearls 

1.  best position for postural tremor is fingers touching wings (elbows) up

2.  saying "ahhhh" shows rhythmical oscillation which is typical