Essential Palatal Tremor Managed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. (10th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kitamura, Tomohisa; Sato, Tsuyoshi; Hayashi, Naoki; Fukushima, Yosuke; Yoda, Tetsuya
• Other Names: Gutierrez Luis M. J. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in dentistry. Volume 2015(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-12-10
• Subjects: Dentistry -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Oral medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Oral Medicine; Dentistry; Dentistry; Oral medicine; Electronic journals; Periodical; Case studies; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 617.6
• DOI: 10.1155/2015/414620
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6447

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Essential palatal tremor is a disorder of unknown etiology involving involuntary movement of the uvula and soft palate. Treatment attempts including drugs or surgery have been conducted to cease the rhythmical movement. Case Report . A 55-year-old female visited our department complaining of a sudden, noticeable, intermittent, and rhythmical clicking noise in her throat for five years. Oral examination revealed rhythmical contractions of the soft palate with clicking at the frequency of 120 per min. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the brain performed after consulting with the department of neuropathic internal medicine showed no abnormalities. Thus, essential palatal tremor was diagnosed. The symptoms improved with cognitive behavioral therapy without drugs or surgical treatments. The patient is now able to stop the rhythmical movement voluntarily. Discussion . Cognitive behavioral therapy might be suitable as first-line therapy for essential palatal tremor because the therapy is noninvasive.