Is the spinal cord the generator of 16-Hz orthostatic tremor?
Primary orthostatic tremor is characterized by 16-Hz motor activity that is coherent between muscles. It has been suggested that this tremor originates in the brain. This view is questioned by findings from a patient with complete paraplegia who experiences intermittent leg spasms at rest. The EMG activity within the spasms showed a 16-Hz component that was coherent between muscles unilaterally and bilaterally. This raises the possibility that the spinal cord could be the source of orthostatic tremor.
MRC Human Movement Group, Sobell Research Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
Jonathan A
JA
Norton
Duncan E
DE
Wood
Brian L
BL
Day
D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology; D011187:Posture; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014202:Tremor / Q000503:physiopathology*