Tremors: Diagnosis
Diagnosis depends largely upon where and how the tremor appears. This means that your doctor will look for an underlying source for the tremor using a variety of diagnostic techniques. A computed tomography scan (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may help to diagnose multiple sclerosis or other disorders of the central nervous system. Blood tests may be used to rule out metabolic causes, like thyroid disease.

Essential tremor, which is usually hereditary, is common in older people. Since an underlying disease does not cause ET, a comprehensive family history is particularly valuable in the diagnosis of inherited tremor.