Tremors are involuntary movements of a part or parts of the body that occur because of
alternating contraction and relaxation of muscles. The causes behind most tremors are poorly
understood.
Some studies suggest tremors could be caused by abnormalities in a particular area of the
brain called the olivary nucleus. Researchers believe that the cells making up the olivary
nucleus may be responsible for generating a central rhythm of the body and may therefore also
be responsible for the generation of tremors.
Consumption of alcohol has been known to reduce tremors in some patients. Researchers believe
that the alcohol may work directly on the cells of the olivary nucleus. As a result,
researchers would like to determine the effects of alcohol on three different kinds of
tremors (physiological, symptomatic palatal, and essential palatal).
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)