Noise-induced psychogenic tremor associated with post-traumatic stress disorder

Mov Disord. 1992 Oct;7(4):333-8. doi: 10.1002/mds.870070406.

Abstract

Tremors in post-traumatic stress disorders have not been previously well characterized. A 67-year-old man has a 46-year history of a noise-induced exaggerated startle reflex followed by a large amplitude rest, postural and kinetic tremor that may persist for up to 3 days. This tremor is superimposed on a continuous mild organic postural/kinetic tremor whose electrophysiological characteristics are different from those of the overlying tremor. We attribute the exaggerated startle reflex and the noise-induced tremor to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and postulate a psychogenic origin for the noise-induced tremor. The patient also believes the noise-induced tremor to be psychologically based and to be produced by the fear and anxiety he experiences when he hears loud, unexpected noises. The sudden onset of the noise-induced tremor, its intermittent character, its temporary disappearance on distraction despite the patient's inability to suppress it, inconsistencies in handwriting and figure drawing, and the fact that the noise-induced tremor is stimulus specific and persists long after the offending stimulus (noise) is no longer present all suggest a tremor of psychogenic origin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents* / psychology
  • Adult
  • Arousal
  • Electromyography
  • Fear
  • Handwriting
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Noise / adverse effects*
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / etiology*
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / psychology
  • Reflex, Startle
  • Ships*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / etiology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Tremor / etiology*
  • Tremor / psychology