New Treatments & Clinical Trials for Essential Tremor

Essential tremor causes rhythmic shaking, usually in the hands, that happens during movement or when holding a position. It affects about 10 million people in the U.S. and often runs in families. Current treatment includes beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and focused ultrasound that destroys a small area of the brain causing the tremor.

What's actually going on in research

Trials are testing drugs that target brain circuits involved in tremor, including medications originally developed for epilepsy and Parkinson's. Researchers are also studying improved brain stimulation devices, less invasive ultrasound techniques, and treatments aimed at the cerebellum, where essential tremor appears to originate. Several trials explore whether combining treatments works better than single drugs.

What to know before you search

Eligibility often depends on tremor severity, how long you've had tremor, whether current medications have helped, and whether you have other neurological conditions.

What types of trials are currently open

• Drug trials — Testing new medications, often pills that target specific brain receptors or ion channels involved in tremor generation.
• Device trials — Testing brain stimulation devices, from wearable stimulators to implanted deep brain stimulation systems similar to those used in Parkinson's.
• Focused ultrasound studies — Testing refinements to ultrasound treatment, including new brain targets, bilateral treatment, and protocols that minimize side effects.
• Combination trials — Testing whether using two treatments together, such as a drug plus a device, controls tremor better than either alone.
• Natural history studies — Following people with essential tremor over time to understand how the condition progresses and what factors predict severity.