The diagnosis of 'essential palatal tremor'

Neurology. 1997 Jul;49(1):248-9. doi: 10.1212/wnl.49.1.248.

Abstract

We report a patient with a 30-year history of progressive, involuntary movements of the left ear and clicking sounds in both ears for 2 years. The patient had rhythmic contractions of the tensor veli palatini muscle and could relieve palatal movements and ear clicks, but not ear movements, by pressing a pillow against the left ear or by finger pressure on the tragus or the retroauricular region. We discuss the significance of these sensory tricks and the nosology of the long-standing ear movements within a classification of essential and symptomatic palatal tremor. Current diagnostic criteria for both types of palatal tremor may not cover some atypical cases such as ours.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Ear / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Palatal Muscles / physiopathology*
  • Tremor / diagnosis*