Essential tremor

This code represents essential tremor, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking, most commonly affecting the hands and arms, but can also involve the head, voice, and legs. It is distinct from other tremor types as it typically worsens with voluntary movement and is often familial.

Use this code when documentation clearly identifies the patient's tremor as "essential tremor" or "benign essential tremor." This diagnosis is typically made after excluding other causes of tremor, such as Parkinson's disease or medication-induced tremor. Supporting documentation would include neurological examination findings and a physician's definitive diagnosis.

• Do not code this with R25.1 (tremor NOS) as per the Excludes1 note; essential tremor is a more specific diagnosis.
• Ensure the physician's documentation explicitly states "essential tremor" rather than just "tremor" to avoid using a less specific code.
• Consider any associated symptoms or conditions that may require additional coding, but only if clearly documented as related.