It sounds like your neurologist is ruling out a specific tremor type based on whether it occurs during movement or at rest — and that's actually a key distinction in MS.
In MS, the most common tremor is called an intention tremor, which gets *worse* during movement, like when reaching for something. This is different from a Show Full Answer
It sounds like your neurologist is ruling out a specific tremor type based on whether it occurs during movement or at rest — and that's actually a key distinction in MS.
In MS, the most common tremor is called an intention tremor, which gets *worse* during movement, like when reaching for something. This is different from a resting tremor, which improves with movement. Here are the main tremor types seen in MS:
- Intention tremor – worsens as you reach toward a target
- Postural tremor – occurs when holding a position against gravity (most frequent in MS)
- Rest tremor – rare in MS, worsens when the body part is relaxed
Importantly, tremors in MS don't have to be painful! Many people experience them without pain at all, so your experience of having them pain-free is completely valid and not unusual.
It may be worth asking your neurologist to clarify exactly which tremor type they're evaluating and why pain is being used as a deciding factor — that could open up a helpful conversation.
October 4
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