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.
Norton
Jonathan A
JA
MRC Human Movement Group, Sobell Research Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
Wood
Duncan E
DE
Day
Brian L
BL
D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology; D011187:Posture; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014202:Tremor / Q000503:physiopathology*