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There is no diagnostic laboratory test for essential tremor. The diagnosis is based on the patient's history, a physical examination revealing tremor on voluntary movement, and no other abnormalities.
However, some testing may rule out other causes of tremors, such as excessive caffeine or tobacco use, alcohol withdrawal, use of certain medications (some asthma drugs, some antidepressants, lithium, some anti-seizure drugs), hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, Wilson's disease (a rare condition in which copper accumulates in the brain and liver), and other disorders.
Routine laboratory tests and brain imaging studies (such as CT scan of the head, brain MRI, and X-rays), or other tests are usually normal and not routinely performed.
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