I realise that I have had orthostatic tremor for about 15 years. Yesterday a neurologist gave me the diagnosis and I am to return to have the tremor rate measured. I assume that this will provide a base line to measure any future changes against. My symptons are not extreme but they are an embarrassment and in contradiction to my overall state of health which is excellent. I dread any standing occasion and edge towards walls etc for support. I had put it down to lack of exercise and muscle weakening. However I increased significantly my exercise program over the past 6 years but noted no improvement. 

Happily though I have not noticed significant deterioration over those same years.  I would like to know more about the characteristics and causes of the problem....or is it a disease? I was interested in the reference made by Anonymous USA to playing with mercury as a child. We too spent endless hours in putting silver on pennies and chasing loose balls of mercury around the carpet! Our fingers would be black and I doubt that we engaged in any thorough hand washing routine!

Helen, Toronto, Canada