Mechanisms and Emerging Therapies in Tremor Disorders

Tremor is intimately linked to the numerous interactions of the central and peripheral nervous system components tuning motor control, from the cerebral cortex up to the peripheral effectors. Activities of central generators, reflex loop delays, inertia, stiffness and damping are all factors influencing features of tremor. This book discusses the pathophysiology of tremor including membrane mechanisms and rodent models, the advances in genetics and the musculoskeletal models pertinent to body oscillations. The main forms of tremor encountered during clinical practice are considered, taking into account neuroimaging aspects. The book covers recent advances in methodologies and techniques of assessment, and provides practical informations for the daily management. In addition to pharmacological treatments, neurosurgical approaches such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and thalamotomy are discussed. Emerging techniques under development are also introduced. Future challenges are also presented.

“This is an outstanding book concerning the timing mechanisms of resting, action, and hereditary aspects of dystonias, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, etc. … I highly recommend this book for researchers and students at the beginning and experienced levels. Neurophysiologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, and muscle physiologists will likely benefit from this atlas/text formats.” (Joseph J. Grenier, Amazon.com, June, 2015)“This authoritative guide to the management and understanding of tremor disorders provides a holistic view of the multifactorial causes of tremor. … The book is written for all medical practitioners whether they are neurologists or not. … the book can easily be used by any health professional looking to bridge the clinical signs to the scientific underpinnings of cause and treatment. … it merits being available in all hospital libraries and it should be used often in helping patients with tremor disorders.” (Joseph I. Sirven, Doody’s Review Service, November, 2012)