ABSTRACT
I. Definition and Historical Background 263
II. Epidemiology and Medical History 264
III. Manifestations of Task-Specific Tremor and Associated Conditions 265
A. Primary Writing Tremor 267
B. Task-Specific Jaw Tremor 267
C. Tremor of the Smile 268
D. Voice Tremor 268
E. Tongue Tremor 268
IV. Pathophysiology of Task-Specific Tremor 268
V. Disability and Treatment 270
References 270
I. DEFINITION AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Task-specific tremor is a kinetic tremor that appears or becomes exacerbated
during highly skilled learned motor activities (1). This type of tremor is fre-
quently denominated occupational tremor or focal tremor related to a particular
action. The tremor usually occurs only when performing a specific repetitive task
unique to each individual, but at times it may appear while performing similar
movements and/or different activities that involve the same group of muscles.
The tremor may be evident as soon as the patient initiates the specific activity or it
may have a latency period of a few seconds to a few minutes after beginning the
performance of the task.
