Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

When do tremors associated with Parkinson's disease primarily occur?

1. During movement

2. At rest

3. After physical exertion

4. When focused on a task

The correct answer is: At rest

Tremors associated with Parkinson's disease are primarily observed at rest, distinguishing them from other types of tremors seen in different conditions. The characteristic resting tremor typically occurs when the muscles are relaxed, and it often decreases or disappears with voluntary movement. This phenomenon is due to the underlying dysfunction in the basal ganglia, which plays a crucial role in controlling movement and muscle tone. In Parkinson's disease, the dopaminergic neurons that facilitate smooth movement are diminished, leading to the resting tremor being a hallmark symptom of the disease. In contrast, tremors that occur during movement are more associated with other movement disorders, such as essential tremor or intentional tremor, which are not specific to Parkinson's disease. After physical exertion or during task-focused situations, individuals with Parkinson's might experience other changes in motor control but typically do not exhibit the resting tremor common to the disease's progression. Thus, the primary occurrence of tremors at rest is essential in diagnosing and understanding the progression of Parkinson's disease.