Today started like many others: coaching Rock Steady, training with my father, running stoplights, running errands, and handling small to-dos in the world outside my head. But then I was pulled over — just a brief interaction, a request for my license, a few questions. To most people, a non-event. To me, it triggered a cascade I’ve been trying to explain for years.
My hands started shaking. My voice wavered. My heart pounded, my mind scrambled: “Do they think this is Parkinson’s? Am I losing control?” I forced calm, showed my license, answered politely — but inside I felt exposed, vulnerable, frustrated.
I come from a world where tremor isn’t just a symptom — it’s identity, scrutiny, stigma. So today, I want to pull back the curtain and walk you through what it’s like — and use that moment to explain the critical differences between essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease, and why encounters like today matter for people with movement disorders.
Essential Tremor vs Parkinson’s: What the Research Actually Says
Prevalence & Misdiagnosis
Essential tremor (ET) is far more common than Parkinson’s disease (PD). Some sources report ET is at least 8 times more common than PD. Indeed, in some epidemiologic studies, ET is estimated to be as much as 20 times more prevalent than Parkinson’s disease. Because tremor is a shared symptom, misdiagnosis is not rare. The overlap in clinical presentation means some patients are initially given the “wrong box.”
Symptom Patterns: When the Tremor Shows
One of the clearest clues distinguishing Essential Tremor (ET) from Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is when the tremor appears. In ET, tremors typically occur during action or movement—for example, when holding a posture, reaching for a cup, or writing—making them postural or kinetic tremors. In contrast, PD tremors usually appear at rest, when the limb is relaxed and not in use, and often lessen with movement. While some people with ET may experience mild rest tremor, it is not a dominant feature, whereas rest tremor is a hallmark of PD, often accompanied by the classic “pill-rolling” motion between the thumb and finger. ET tends to affect both sides of the body more symmetrically, though asymmetry can occur, while PD often starts on one side and remains asymmetric for a longer time. Another distinguishing factor is the duration of tremor activity during the day: individuals with ET report tremors for a median of about 10 waking hours daily, compared to around three waking hours for those with PD. This means that for someone with ET, tremor is typically “on” much more of the time than for many living with Parkinson’s.
Additional Symptoms & Course
Extra motor features: Parkinson’s comes with rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movement), postural instability, balance issues, changes in gait, and more. Tremor in PD is rarely the only sign. No extra core features in ET: Essential Tremor is primarily a tremor disorder. It doesn’t usually include the rigidity or slowness that define Parkinson’s. Progression and risk: Some studies suggest ET may slightly increase the risk of eventually developing Parkinsonism, though this is debated. In short, tremor in ET is a central, persistent feature and often dominates daily experience; tremor in PD is more of one piece in a broader syndrome.
Why a Simple Traffic Stop Can “Trigger” Everything
For those of us living with tremor disorders, moments of acute stress, adrenaline surges, and perceived scrutiny can greatly amplify what’s already happening beneath the surface. Stress often equals tremor amplification—fatigue, anxiety, overstimulation, caffeine, and uncertainty can all make tremors worse. During the fight-or-flight response, the body floods with adrenaline, muscles tense, and the hands may shake even more as the nervous system reacts to a perceived threat. The sense of visibility adds pressure; in situations like a traffic stop or public interaction, the feeling of being watched can heighten self-awareness and physical symptoms. Then comes the narrative of doubt—thoughts like “Do they think I’m intoxicated? Nervous? Hiding something?”—which further fuels adrenaline and intensifies the tremor. Ultimately, the tremor isn’t just a neurological symptom; it’s deeply entwined with emotion, social context, and perception. What might seem like a simple or benign interaction to others can quickly become a flashpoint for someone living with a tremor disorder.
Why This Matters (Beyond My Car)
De-stigmatization and awareness are vital. Many people still assume that any tremor automatically means Parkinson’s disease, or that shaking reflects weakness, nervousness, or even intoxication. Better public and medical education can help dismantle these misconceptions, reducing shame and mislabeling for those who live with tremor disorders. Equally important is advocating for nuance in medical care. Every patient with tremor deserves a thorough neurological evaluation that considers when and how the tremor appears, along with other features, since treatment options, prognosis, and support systems can vary widely.
This also ties into supporting non-obvious disabilities. Not all disabilities are visible — sometimes they appear as an unsteady hand, a trembling voice, or a body reacting under stress. Recognizing these subtler manifestations calls for empathy, respect, and equal rights. Finally, mental health is inseparable from physical health. The invisible burdens — anxiety, fear, self-consciousness, and questions of identity — matter just as much as the medical aspects. Moments like these aren’t merely clinical; they’re deeply emotional, social, and psychological experiences.
What I Want You To Remember
Tremor does not always mean Parkinson’s — though at times, the lines between them can blur. My shaking is a part of who I am, not a flaw I can control or “just stop.” Everyday situations like traffic stops, meetings, bright lights, loud noises, or crowded spaces can all intensify my symptoms. In those moments, kindness and patience go a long way — both from others and from myself. So, if you see me shaking, please don’t assume. Ask, wait, or simply give me space. Sometimes, there’s nothing to fix or explain. To anyone else who finds themselves in a similar situation — pulled over, in public, or under watchful eyes — remember: it might not be nerves, it might not be alcohol, and it might not be a problem at all. It might just be my body.
Media by Chris Denny/Adobe
