Research team finds decrease in concentration of GABA receptors in the cerebellum

Researchers from the CHUQ research center and Université Laval have discovered the likely cause of essential tremor (ET). The team's promising findings were published in a recent edition of the scientific journal Brain. 

Frequently confused with Parkinson disease, essential tremor is the most common involuntary movement disorder. An estimated 4% of the population over 40 is affected by this neurologic condition which manifests as muscle tremors, normally in the face, neck, and vocal chords.

The research team noticed a decrease in the concentration of GABA receptors in the cerebellum of patients suffering from essential tremor.

"This is one of the first demonstrations of biochemical changes in the cerebellum in patients with ET. It's a real step forward that opens the doors to new avenues of research, and perhaps to new treatments down the road. It's possible that stimulating GABA receptors could help patients control, or even reduce, essential tremor," said Dr Frédéric Calon, researcher at the CHUQ research center and professor at Université Laval's Faculty of Pharmacy. "This is one of the first times such large sample groups have been used to study ET," he continued.

The research was made possible by a grant from the International Essential Tremor Foundation.

Source: News Release
Université Laval
December 6, 2011