An Ayurvedic Perspective on Primary Writing Tremor

Primary Writing Tremor

Abstract

Primary Writing Tremor (PWT) is Task specific Tremor which is seen only in specific task of Writing. PWT is unaccompanied by any other neurological symptoms and does not manifest itself in other activities of daily life. The pathophysiology of this tremor has been controversial, with some proposing a dystonic origin similar to writer’s cramp and others suggesting a relationship with Essential Tremor. The aetiology of this tremor is debated, as well as the efficacy of the various treatment modalities used currently. Even though this is one of the most common task-specific tremors seen, there is considerable overlap of clinical features between PWT and writer's cramp which creates difficulty in diagnosing this condition in the conventional modern medicine.

Ayurveda is Indian system of medicine which mainly deals about study of Life, which aims at maintaining health of an individual and then explains cure for the diseased condition. Most of the neurological conditions are explained under the disease Vata vyadhi where all diseased produced by Vata dosha are explained.

PWT is a rare form of disorder associated with tremor as a main symptom and one can understand its pathophysiology through Ayurveda, by looking into disorders explained in Ayurvedic classics where we can find tremor as one of the cordinal feature. In ayurvedic classics we find many the disorders of Vata dosha associated with tremor like, Akshepaka, Apatantra, Apatanaka and Kampa vata. But we can pin point the particular condition of Vata vyadhi to PWT. Based on symptamatology, we can draw a hypothesis on PWT and can adopt the treatment principles which are employed in such disorders.