Tertiary tremor (tɜrʃɪˌɛri ˈtrɛmər) is a term used in medical settings to describe involuntary trembling movements in the hands and arms. The spelling of tertiary tremor can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which breaks down the pronunciation of each syllable. The first syllable, "ter", is pronounced as /tɜr/, followed by the second syllable "tiary", pronounced as /ʃɪˌɛri/. The final syllable, "tremor", is pronounced as /ˈtrɛmər/. Overall, the spelling of tertiary tremor accurately represents its pronunciation.
Tertiary tremor refers to a specific type of tremor characterized by its occurrence as a result of an underlying medical condition, usually related to the central nervous system or certain medications. Tremors are involuntary, rhythmic shaking or trembling movements that can affect various parts of the body, such as the hands, arms, legs, or head. Tertiary tremors, also known as secondary tremors, are distinct from the more common primary tremors, such as essential tremor or Parkinson's disease, which do not have an identifiable cause.
The term "tertiary" in tertiary tremor indicates that this type of tremor is a consequence or a tertiary effect of another condition. It often arises due to factors like certain neurologic disorders, brain lesions, strokes, or the use of specific medications like certain antipsychotics or certain drugs used to treat epilepsy. These underlying conditions can disrupt the normal functioning of the central nervous system, which leads to the manifestation of the tremor.
Tertiary tremors can vary in severity, frequency, and location, depending on the underlying condition causing them. Treatment for tertiary tremors typically focuses on addressing and managing the underlying cause. In some cases, the tremors may improve or even resolve once the primary condition is treated or stabilized. However, in cases where the tremor remains debilitating or significantly impacts daily functioning, medication or other therapies may be prescribed to help control and reduce the tremor's severity.
The word "tertiary" originates from the Latin word "tertiarius", which means "third". In medical terminology, the term "tertiary tremor" refers to a type of tremor that occurs as a result of specific diseases or conditions. The word "tremor" refers to an involuntary, rhythmic movement or shaking. Therefore, "tertiary tremor" suggests a third level or degree of tremor, potentially indicating a more severe or advanced stage of the condition.