New Treatments & Clinical Trials for Essential Tremor

Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder, affecting about 10 million people in the United States. It causes rhythmic shaking, usually in the hands, that worsens with movement and can make everyday tasks like eating or writing difficult. Current treatments include beta blockers, anti-seizure medications, and focused ultrasound that ablates a small brain region causing tremor.

What's actually going on in research

Trials are testing new drugs that target specific brain circuits controlling movement, including medications originally developed for other neurological conditions. Researchers are studying non-invasive brain stimulation devices that might replace or supplement medication, and refining focused ultrasound techniques to treat more types of tremor with fewer side effects. Studies are also working to identify which patients respond best to each treatment approach.

What to know before you search

Eligibility typically depends on tremor severity, which body parts are affected, response to current medications, and whether the tremor interferes with daily activities.

What types of trials are currently open

• Medication trials — Testing new oral medications, including repurposed drugs from epilepsy and psychiatric treatment, to see if they reduce tremor better than propranolol or primidone.
• Device trials — Studies of wearable or implanted devices that use electrical stimulation to reduce tremor, some controlled by the patient.
• Focused ultrasound studies — Testing refined ultrasound techniques that destroy tiny areas of brain tissue causing tremor, with the goal of improving safety and expanding who can receive treatment.
• Combination studies — Comparing medication plus device therapy versus either alone to see if combining approaches works better.
• Natural history studies — Following people with essential tremor over time to understand how it progresses and what factors predict who will develop more severe symptoms.