Tremor tendinum, also known as "nodding syndrome," is a rare neurological disorder that mainly affects children in parts of Africa. The name tremor tendinum is derived from Latin and literally means "tremors of the tendons." The pronunciation of the word uses the International Phonetic Alphabet, with "tremor" being pronounced as /ˈtrɛmər/ and "tendinum" as /tɛnˈdaɪnəm/. The disorder is characterized by head nodding or shaking, cognitive impairment, and seizures. Its exact cause is unknown, and there is no known cure for the condition at present.
Tremor tendinum is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by tremors or involuntary shaking of the tendons. It typically affects the tendons, which are fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones, causing them to vibrate or oscillate rapidly. This trembling or shaking can be noticeably visible to the naked eye or felt by touching the affected area.
Tremor tendinum commonly occurs in the hands, fingers, wrists, and can sometimes affect the lower extremities as well. It is often associated with underlying conditions such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, peripheral neuropathy, or other neurological disorders.
The exact cause of tremor tendinum is not fully understood, but it is believed to originate from abnormal signaling within the nervous system that controls muscle movement. This abnormal signaling disrupts the normal coordination between muscles and tendons, resulting in involuntary twitching or oscillations.
The symptoms of tremor tendinum can range from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause and individual variations. Some individuals may experience occasional tremors, while others may have continuous trembling of their tendons. Tremor tendinum can significantly impact a person's ability to perform precise tasks with their hands, affecting their daily activities and quality of life.
Treatment for tremor tendinum aims to manage the underlying condition or alleviate symptoms. This may involve medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other interventions tailored to the individual's specific needs. In severe cases, surgical procedures may be considered to address the tremors or reduce their intensity.
Subsultus tendinum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "tremor tendinum" is Latin in origin.
1. Tremor: The word "tremor" in Latin means "trembling" or "shaking". It is derived from the verb "tremere", which means "to tremble" or "to shake".
2. Tendinum: The word "tendinum" is the genitive plural form of the Latin word "tendo", which means "tendon" or "sinew". In this context, it refers to the tendons of the body.
Therefore, "tremor tendinum" can be translated as "the trembling of the tendons". It is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by involuntary, rhythmic contractions or vibrations of the tendons.