What is the difference between essential tremor vs. Parkinson’s disease?

What is the difference between essential tremor vs. Parkinson’s disease?

Essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease are both movement disorders that involve some kind of tremor. However, there are some key differences, too:

Essential tremorParkinson’s diseaseTremors are worst when using the affected body part, and go away or lessen when at rest.Tremors are worst when the affected body part is at rest, and go away or lessen when in use.Tremors usually occur on both sides of your body, but one side may be slightly more affected than the other.Tremors are often asymmetric, affecting one side much more than the other.Tremors often involve your head and neck. They almost never involve your legs and feet.Tremors rarely affect your head and neck. They sometimes involve your legs and feet.Handwriting can be quite difficult and shaky due to tremors, but it doesn’t become unusually small.Handwriting can become unusually small (micrographia).Essential tremor often runs in families.Parkinson’s disease only rarely runs in families.Essential tremor solely involves tremor.Parkinson’s disease also involves other features, such as slowed movements, stiffness and changes in walking and balance.