Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert

opinion thereon

CHAPTER-2

2.1. Process of development of Handwriting and its Individuality

Handwriting is an acquired art like painting, dancing or cycling which is the

visible result of mental and muscular habits developed by individual after long
painstaking efforts. It is also defined as the individual’s personal style of penmanship
(Jan Seaman Kelly & Brian S. Lindblom, 2006) i.e. the manner in which a writer writes
with his or her hand using a writing instrument. The early stages that accompany the
learning and practicing of writing are characterized by a conscious effort on part of a
student to copy standard letter forms. He takes a mental impression of the model before
him and makes an effort to translate it through the muscles of his hand, as handwriting
(Roy A. Huber, A. M. Headrick, 1999). Physical factors like hand and eye coordination,
flexibility in movement of the different parts of hand, grip of writing instruments etc
plays an important role in developing handwriting skills (Katherine M. Koppenhaver,
2010). Writer’s attitude and nature also contribute in expansion of their neuromuscular
coordination. Writer’s ease to learn the process of handwriting influence them to spend
more time practicing until they reach to a skill level that is comfortable. After practice
proficiency is acquired and the writing gets set and mature. It is then no longer effortful
but almost a reflex action.

Young children initiate learning to write before their formal schooling begins.
They start observing the surroundings visually and eventually identify and duplicate the
words. After developing the concept of handwriting, they gradually learn to recognize
various alphabets and numerals skills (Katherine M. Koppenhaver, 2010). Every person
sees and imitates the shapes of letters and numerals differently which creates
individuality in their handwriting. An individual by his nature, habit & custom acquires
a particular system of forming letters (Goodgold S.A., 1983). As a result, the writings of

5|Page
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

individual are characterized by fixed and definite character which distinguishes his
handwriting from other persons (Srihari S.N. et al, 2016).

Individuality also results due to the fact that movement of all our body parts is
coordinated by our neural senses and the manner in which the brain of different
individual works varies significantly (David Ellen, 2006). It is believed that “More you
deviate from copy book form; more will be the indentifying value of the characters
which creates more individuality of the writer”. The person cannot perfectly reproduce
the standard model of any character. There are some mental and muscular deviations of
individual resulting in nerve-muscle reaction pattern giving handwriting its
individuality (Saunders CP. et al, 2011). Uniqueness in handwriting is also developed as
a result of conscious and unconscious influence of writings of some other person which
we often see.

One of the major factors influencing the growth of handwriting is the writer’s
ability to observe and remember the letter forms. Some writers have more control over
their muscular skills in the early stages while some takes more time to reach up to that
level of development (Katherine M. Koppenhaver, 2010). Writer’s competency in
holding the paper and instruments in proper manner, directing the movements in correct
directions and angle plays a vital role in achieving the level of graphic maturity, in his
or her acceptable range. Attaining this stage, the writer only concentrates on the
contents while their subconscious takes care of the execution of writing. The one, who
writes more show more maturity in his writing and can develop more individual
characteristics (Srihari S.N. et al, 2002). The nature of work also affects the writings.
E.g. doctors, lawyers, gamblers, have their own peculiar terminology, abbreviations and
simplifications (individual to them).

2.2. Natural variations in handwriting

Natural variations are the essential characteristics of person’s handwriting.

These variations occur unconsciously due to the fact that the human brain is not a

6|Page
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

computer. It is not possible for it to produce the same thing again and again in similar
manner (Szymon Matuszewski, 2004). Every time we write, our writing is slightly
different. It can be a little larger, a bit smaller, more angular, sometimes faster,
sometime slower and on and on. Thus these variations must be closely and carefully
studied by the examiner, so that one can identify whether the writer of two different
contents are same or not. Natural variation refers to the variations in handwriting of an
individual in ideal condition, which occurs unconsciously as the writer proceeds with
his/ her handwriting because of the habits ingrained in an individual (Ordway Hilton,
1993). A human hand does not work like a mechanical device and the hand writing of
the same person show variation due to internal and external factors but such variation
always occur within certain well defined limits. The presence of natural variation is a
strong indication of their genuineness (Wilson R. Harrison, 1958).

The reasons for such natural variations in handwriting can range from simple
change in writing surface and writing instrument to growing age of writer, illness,
impaired eyesight or may be due to alcohol and drug consumption. Speed of writing can
also be contributing factors to variation. Practiced writers who write quickly often tend
to slur the execution of some letter combinations, especially word endings that can
greatly affect the letter shapes, perhaps to the point of rendering them unreadable as
individual letters. Recognition is achieved primarily by virtue of the context in which
the word occurs. With practice the acquisition of skill, and the application of control,
these is natural variation diminish in their range, but we are never totally without them.

Thus, one should know the extent of variation in handwriting characteristics

under particular conditions to frame proper opinion about the writer. The examiner
should know the reliable features that can identify the authorship even where exhibits
are written in different writing conditions (Albert S. Osborn, 1929). The proper
methodology to approach such examinations is to first examine the general or class
characteristics such as speed, skill, movement, pen pressure etc. and then moving on to
individual characteristics and stylistic features (Ordway Hilton,1992). Some

7|Page
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

handwriting characteristics may change with condition, some may change with age
(Kapoor T. S. et al, 1985), posture (Roy A. Huber, A. M. Headrick, 1999), and some
characteristics remain robust to any change in condition. One can determine the
authorship even in case of block writings if the principles of handwriting examination
are applied carefully (Surbhi Mathur, Sumit Kumar Choudhary, 2014).Therefore by
following the principles handwriting identification, one can fix the authorship. In
addition, the examiner can opine about the possible condition under which the writer
wrote the content based on some surface or condition specific characteristics.

2.3. Principles of Handwriting Examination

A. Each mature writer has a handwriting which is unique for him or her

The handwriting of a person has a personality disparate from other individuals. It is

a conscious act but repetition makes it a habit and writing becomes a subconscious act.
Writing is the sum total of schooling, training, writing experience, surroundings and
occupation in addition to mental, physical and emotional make up. Thus each person
has his own individualistic writing which forms the basis of personal identification.

B. Writing variation is an essential property of everyone’s handwriting.

Presence of natural variations in handwriting plays a vital role in establishing its

genuineness. These variations occur naturally and unconsciously in a person’s
handwriting as a result of age, illness, fatigue, change of writing materials and surface,
physical & emotional disturbances, effect of alcohol or drug etc. Such variations, when
analyzed carefully, create a perfect master pattern of individual writer.

C. A writer cannot exceed his maximum writing ability without serious efforts
and training applied over a period of time.

Handwriting is a subconscious act accompanied by habitual formations that are

repeated again and again as the person writes. The person is practicing his chosen

8|Page
 Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

handwriting features since childhood. Since the writing becomes individualistic and
fixed with age, it cannot be changed easily. Thus, serious efforts and continuous
training is required for even a slight change in any of these features.

D. Deterioration of an individual’s writing due to any cause affects all the writing
properties and is not confined to changes of one or two elements.

Handwriting is the result of combination of features like pictorial effect, speed, line
quality, movement, connecting strokes, starting and ending strokes, embellishments etc.
These features all together and simultaneously form handwriting. Thus, if a person has
undergone a surgery or gone through an accident, illness, a change in the handwriting
characteristics can be seen throughout the writing and not limited to one or two
handwriting features alone.

E. Attempted disguise leads to an inferior, and never a better quality of

handwriting.

Disguise means to intentionally change one’s own handwriting features and include
writing styles and forms foreign to him. When a person tries to change or modify his or
her habit of writing, the quality decreases. This fall in handwriting quality is a result of
lack of natural neuromuscular coordination which develops in a writer with passage of
time.

2.4. Standards for handwriting comparison

Document standards are legally admissible, reliable samples of handwriting,

signatures, typewriting, computer print outs or any other type of document used for
comparison with questioned writings for determining its authenticity. For comparison of
handwriting and signature evidences, two types of standards are collected i.e. Specimen
or request standards and Admitted or Natural standards (as seen in figure 2.1).

9|Page
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

Figure 2.1: Types of writing standards for framing reliable opinion in case of
document evidences

Specimen standards are usually collected on request from the suspects for
comparison of handwriting or signatures of that particular case, while the admitted
exemplars are collected from the past records of the suspects like office work records,
diaries, driving license, identity cards etc.
These are required to achieve accurate and reliable results. These are an
important part of quality control and assurance procedures that forensic scientists use to
eliminate the inaccuracy of laboratory results and reduces the chances of errors (FAA or
FAR). Some important points are to be considered while collecting the exemplars:
For collection of standards the following points should be kept in mind:
a. Amount of material.
b. Similarity of subject matter.

10 | P a g e
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

c. Relative dates of execution of the questioned and standard material.

Good standards consisting of both specimen and admitted are to be procured and
supplied to the expert for comparison with the questioned writings/ signatures. The
effort should be to get suitable standards in terms of quality and quantity for obtaining
an expert’s opinion.
The specimen handwritings should be collected minimum 6 times and signatures
minimum 36 times, depending upon case to case and existing guidelines in the
jurisdiction on the matter. The specimen writings should be taken by dictating the text
to the suspect. Such samples should be taken by both left and right hand and should
always be taken on the similar paper using similar ink and same conditions, as in case
of questioned writings, to the extent possible.
These specimens should always be free in their production to the extent possible
and should also be free from consciousness, in presence of IO and two independent
witnesses. Efforts should be made to divert the person when he attempts to disguise to
get as much as free writings as possible and care is to be taken for obtaining the
specimens of the entire contents of the questioned document and not a part thereof. The
specimen must be duly endorsed and signed by the writer, by the witnesses and the IO
along with the date.
The admitted writings and signatures should invariably be supplied in addition
to specimen handwriting, as they are equally important and necessary for comparison
purpose. The admitted writings / signatures should be independently proved to be in the
hand of the person concerned and should not be disputed at a later stage. Utmost
precaution is to be observed in this regard to avoid any future controversy. The quantity
of the admitted writings should always be on the higher side and not on the lower side.
Foreign writings are to be excluded while marking the documents containing the
admitted writings. Sources of admitted writings include: office records, applications,
contracts, wills, tax insurance papers, policies, identity cards, passports, bank account
opening forms etc.

11 | P a g e
 Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

Questioned regions are to be properly encircled with a red pencil and be given
identifying marks such as Q1, Q2, Q3 and so on. Specimens and admitted samples
obtained are to be encircled with a blue pencil and be given identifying marks such as
S1, S2, S3… for specimen standards and A1, A2, A3… for Admitted standards
respectively.

2.5. Characteristics for handwriting comparison

The range of writing, called as master pattern of the writer includes all the
characteristics, patterns and peculiarity used by the writer during the act of writing. A
document examiner should always know the range of variations in individual’s
handwriting, he or she is examining. The writing characteristics which are almost
personal have more identifying value, though other personal and class characteristics
also contribute to reach to a conclusion.

Handwriting examination mainly relies on class characteristics, individual

characteristics and stylistic features.

1. Class/General writing characteristics: These are defined as the characteristics of

handwriting which are common among particular group of writers (as seen in
figure 2.2).

12 | P a g e
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

Figure 2.2: Representation of class characteristics of handwriting

A. Pictorial effect: the overall appearance effect of the writing.

B. Speed of writing: writing pertaining heavy pen pressure, blunt starts and
terminal indicate slow speed. Well defined strokes, tapering terminals indicate
fast speed. The presence of tremors, retouching and pen pause in strokes show
slow speed. Presence of abbreviations and connected letters indicates fast speed.

C. Spacing: the habit of leaving space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs
cannot be same in the writing of different individual.

13 | P a g e
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

D. Shading: the variation in the breadth in the stroke is an involuntary act personal
to each writer resulting to its individualized habit of holding the pen, applying
pen pressure and twisting the pen.

E. Slant/Slope of writing: the inclination of letters with the actual or imaginary base
line is known as a “writing slant.” The deliberate change in the writing slant
cannot be maintained and writers generally reverse to his/ her general writing
slant. The difference in writing slant more or equal to 10-15 degree indicates
they are not identical.

F. Size of letters: the size of writing may vary from person to person. The writer
may reduce or may increase the size of letters according to availability of the
space. The size can be classified as a large, medium, small, and irregular.

G. Pen pressure: pen pressure may be defined as the force or pressure applied on
the writing instrument during writing operation. Light pressure produces fine
stroke and is generally applied by skilled writers having good muscular
coordination. Heavy pressure is normally applied by very young writers in initial
stage or by illiterate writers. Graduated pressure is employed by the well skilled
writers to produce fine, fluent and graceful writing.

H. Movement of writing: In case of finger movement, the letters are formed by the
action of thumb, first and second finger. It is classified as a poor movement due
to the excessive grip and concentration on writing instrument. The writing
produced show lower order of writing skill, irregular curves, asymmetrical letter
and blunt beginning and ending strokes. In wrist movement, writing is produced
by the action of the hand as a whole and finger with wrist as the centre of the
action. The writing with wrist suggest about degree of writing speed, well
defined curves and angular writings. In Forearm movement, handwriting results
from the movement of the hand and the arm with the elbow resting on the table
as the centre of the motion. It shows a clear cut symmetrical strokes, rapid

14 | P a g e
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

writing speed, sharp and clear edges of strokes. In whole arm movement, it is
the action of arm without any resting point. Longer and decorating strokes are
produced in such writings.

I. Alignment of writing: the relation of a word or written line to the actual or

imaginary base line is referred to as “Alignment.” The alignment may be
similar, arched, garland, irregular, ascending, descending, etc.

J. Pen position: it is the angle of the writing instrument and writing surface.

K. Line quality: Line Quality is the measure of smoothness, directness, continuity

and uniformity of strokes. The term line quality refers to characters and quality
of line or strokes in the writing or signature. It portrays how smooth was the
pen, where the pen paused, writing pressure, employed presence or absence of
tremors, writing speed and rhythm with which it was drawn.

2. Individual characteristics: These characteristics are highly personal and are

unlikely to occur in any other instance. Such characteristics are identified as:
A. Commencement of various letters.
B. Shape of letter.
C. Combination of letter or stroke.
D. Simplification.
E. Starts and finish of the letters.
F. Relative location of the stroke forming the letters and their combination.
G. Direction and curvature of strokes.
H. Extent of retracing.
I. Formation of loop, size its shape, inclination.
J. Minute and inconspicuous hidden characteristics like embellishment of letters,
crossing and dotting strokes, circle etc.
K. Uniformity or irregularity of the height of the letters in words.
L. Slant of the diagonal and connecting strokes.

15 | P a g e
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

M. Nature of extent of small hooks, if present, at the beginning and end of the
strokes.
N. Nature of extent of ticks, if present, at the beginning and end of the strokes.

3. Stylistic features: Style is variable element of human behavior. It is simply a habit

of a person which never dies. Stylistics has always proved its importance in
establishing the identity of an individual whether there is a case of handwriting or
vocal conversations. In cases involving ransom notes, anonymous letters or
threatening letters, the offender usually modify his/her handwriting to conceal their
identity to minimize the chances of being caught. Attempted disguise may sometime
lead to a deteriorated piece of handwriting and change its overall pictorial effect.
Also the general and individual characteristics of handwriting lose their competency
in pin pointing the perpetrator. In such special cases the style features in a person’s
handwriting plays a vital role in fixing the authorship of the writer. Some of the
common stylistic features of handwriting include:
A. Page format (margins)
B. Date format
C. Presence of Headings & Sub headings
D. Under headings & Subheadings
E. Way of emphasizing the letters or sentences
F. Habit of forming paragraphs while writing
G. Length of paragraph formed
H. Length of sentence
I. Usage of punctuations
J. Usage of Signs/ Symbols
K. Using Abbreviations
L. Misspellings
M. Grammar used
N. Vocabulary used

16 | P a g e
 Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

O. Usage of slangs
P. Frequently used words while writing
Q. Habit of giving page numbers
R. Habit of using bullets etc

2.6. Tremors in Handwriting

Tremor is an unintentional, rhythmic muscle movement involving to-and-fro

movements (oscillations) of one or more parts of the body. It is defined as unusual
departure of line from its intended course resulting in disturbances in performance of
fine motor skills. Tremors in handwriting have important implications for the field of
forensic document examination (Katherine M. Koppenhaver, 2010). A forensic
document examiner is often asked to determine the probable reason for tremor seen in
handwriting exhibits. This could be critical if there are questions about the authenticity
of a document that is claimed to have been written by someone suffering from genuine
motor dysfunctions (Longstaff M.G. & Heath R.A., 2000) ―Corrugated lines are
evidence of forgery- is a myth which is floating in almost every mind. Such jerky
writings are always misunderstood as the result of forgery, which may not necessarily be
true (Albert S. Osborn, 1929). There are some innocents who write with tremors but can
be falsely identified as forging. The handwritings of genuine writers suffering from old
age (T. S. Kapoor et al, 1985) or some physiological disorders (Smits E.J. et al, 2014) or
illiteracy usually show shaky and non-rhythmic strokes due to weak neuromuscular
coordination when compared to a healthy mature writer.

The questioned document examiner frequently faces the challenge of clearing up

the dispute related to tremor in handwriting (Jacqueline A. Joseph, 2017) such as:

a) Whether the tremor observed in handwriting is genuine or fraudulent?

b) Does genuine tremor have a specific pattern of movement that can be

differentiated from fraudulent tremor?

17 | P a g e
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

c) What could be the probable reason for occurrence of tremor?

d) Is it possible to distinguish between genuine and false tremulous writing?

Tremor is defined as random, unexpected, rhythmic muscle movement involving

to-and-fro movements of one or more parts of the body (as seen in figure 2.3).

Figure 2.3: Representation of tremor in handwriting

The tremulous strokes are characterized as instant shift from the desired
direction of the pen lines and are attributed to nervous impulse affecting the muscles
indicating loss of control of the pen (Brian B. Carney, 1995). These non-rhythmic
movements are practically impossible to imitate with same writing speed, skill,
movement and pen pressure. Wavering and broken strokes forming the letters of a
writer‘s signature will deviate from the normal style of writing, but they retain sufficient
individual and style characteristics to individualize the writer.
Tremor in handwriting can result due to variety of the facts ( K.S. Puri, 1974).
Tremor can be produced due to age, illness, brain injury, weak neuromuscular
coordination, forgery and illiteracy. Other causes include the use of drug (C. Gilmour &
J. Bradford, 1987), alcohol intoxication, and lack of vitamins, increased stress, writer‘s
cramp and pathological or psychiatric disorders.

18 | P a g e
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

2.7. Classification of tremors in handwriting

a. Tremor of age: Elderly writings develops tremor due to weak neuromuscular

condition. The writing in such cases will be slowly written and showing a tremor
which is often rhythmic, wavering and broken strokes forming the letters of a
writer writing will deviate from normal writing (Ordway Hilton, 1977). Besides
all these deteriorations, the internal consistency of the writer remains clearly
evident (Dr. Gayathri Bhagwath, 2001).

b. Tremor of illiteracy: The tremor of illiterate and uneducated individuals is more

varied because of the unfamiliarity of the writing process (Katherine M.
Koppenhaver, 2010). Although there is a lack of the control, the writing is
strong. The strong line of the illiterate writer can be distinguished from the lines
of the experienced writer in poor health, which are usually lighter more
tremulous, weaker and finer.

c. Tremor of illness: A person‘s mental and physical condition affects his/her

writing habits. Reason of occurrence of tremor in such cases is due to the weak
co-ordination of brain and muscles (Ordway Hilton, 1969). Writings in such
cases show inconsistency. A writer under severe stress will not be able to write
in his/her own manner. Handwriting may sometime deviate to the point of not
being recognizable. A long term debilitating illness, such as cancer, will cause
handwriting to slowly deteriorate. It is not always necessarily a steady decline
(Hongzhi Wang et al, 2008). There may be some temporary improvement in
handwriting, although the writer never regains optimum skill level.

d. Tremor due to drugs and medication: Every drug has an effect on the person
taking it. Many of the effects are undesirable side effects. Some of these drugs
cause changes in person‘s writing style and even in the ability to write (C.
Gilmour & J. Bradford, 1987). Nervousness and restlessness causes results in
erratic pressure, tremor or other irregularities in writing (M.W. Hirsch, 1956).

19 | P a g e
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

Spasms are sudden involuntary muscles contractions that create jerks and
glitches in handwriting (M. Narsimha Pai, 1947). Tremor caused by caffeine is
vibratory. Light erratic or fading pressures can also be result of muscle
relaxants.

e. Tremor due to alcohol intoxication: Alcoholism causes uncontrolled muscular

movement, jerking and tremor (Albert Rabin & Harry Blair, 1953). Breaks in
pen lines, irregular strokes and overwritten parts produce an erratic action in
handwritings (K. S. Puri, 1965).

f. Tremor due to the forgery: Tremor is most easily detected and most frequently
found sign of forgery (Ordway Hilton, 1969). Tremor results from slow writing
or drawing. When a writer slows down to copy or trace a line, the line will
become wavier ( K.S. Puri, 1974). A fine wave causes corrugation in the writing
line, tiny side to side motion that can be seen under magnification (Katherine M.
Koppenhaver, 2010).

2.8. Genuine tremors Versus Tremor of forgery

Despite the fact that tremors can occur naturally in person‘s handwriting due to
ageing, pathological disorders, illiteracy, physical and mental disorders etc, it is also
symptomatic of forgery, where the tremors can be seen due to slowly and carefully
drawn writings (Joe Nickell, 2015). A forger, aware of the misdeeds he or she is about
to commit develops anxiety and nervousness because of the fear of being caught. Also
his/her good soul restrict him or her from conducting any unethical action, due to which
tremors in form of hesitation can be clearly evident in forged handwritings (Michael P.
Caligiuri M., 2012), which can easily be differentiated from writings bearing genuine
tremors.

Some forgers attempt to imitate writings that contains tremor which is much
harder to duplicate. Genuine tremors are more erratic than tremor of forgery. In cases of

20 | P a g e
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

fake tremor, the forger has a tendency to develop a rhythmic to and fro movement with
higher frequency than the genuine case. The forger will usually not place tremor on
curves but will execute a smoother stroke than the known writer could have made.

Tremors due to forgery are also seen clubbing up with other inherent signs of
forgery like blunt starts and endings, abnormal pen pauses, abnormal pen lifts,
retouching, patching etc, which can be significant in discriminating such forms of
tremors from genuine tremors (George J. Lacy, 1944) (as seen in figure 2.4).

Figure 2.4: Differentiating Genuine tremor from Tremor due to forgery

21 | P a g e
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

2.9. Essential tremors in handwriting

Essential tremor (ET) is a progressive neurological condition that causes

involuntary rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, tongue, voice, and less often the legs
or trunk (Findley L.J. & Koller W.C. (1987). Like Parkinson's disease, ET is considered
a movement disorder. The disease can occur because of abnormal communication
between certain areas of the brain including the cerebellum, thalamus, and brain stem.
Usually essential tremors begin more often in dominant hand of the writer (Louis E.D.
et al, 2000). Writers can experience it during every basic task performed by them during
their normal routine course like pouring beverages in glass or cup, writing on document,
typing on mobile phones or tablets, threading a needle etc (Louis E.D., 2001).
ET usually initiates on one side of the body and gradually increases with the
movement. Hands are more prone to such tremors than any other body part. Emotional
misbalance, fatigue, psychological & mental dependencies and temperature variations
catalyses the process of tremor (Elble R., 2006). Other symptoms of ET may include:
 Uncontrollable shaking that occurs for brief periods of time
 Shaking voice
 Nodding head
 Tremors that worsen during periods of emotional stress
 Tremors that get worse with purposeful movement
 Tremors that lessen with rest
 Balancing problems (in rare cases)
The true cause of essential tremor has always remained the mystery, but it is
thought that the abnormal electrical brain activity that causes tremor is processed
through the structure deep in brain (Lang A. et al, 2006) called as thalamus (Schuurman
P.R. et al., 2000) that coordinates and controls muscle activity. Researchers also predict
that they are the genes causing ET in half of all people with the condition. A child born
to a parent with ET will have up to a 50% chance of inheriting the responsible gene, but

22 | P a g e
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

may never actually experience symptoms (Harris K. & Singer H., 2006). Although ET
is more common in the elderly and symptoms become more pronounced with age it is
not a part of the natural aging process. Several genes as well as environmental factors
likely help determine an individual's risk of developing this complex condition (Elble
R., 2006). The specific changes in the nervous system that account for the signs and
symptoms of essential tremor are unknown (Perlmutter J. & Mink J. 2006).
Essential tremor can be passed through generations in families, but the
inheritance pattern varies (P. G. Bain et al., 1994). In most affected families, essential
tremor appears to be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy
of an altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder, although no genes that
cause essential tremor have been identified (Irene Damian et al., 2009). In other
families, the inheritance pattern is unclear. Essential tremor may also appear in people
with no history of the disorder in their family (Louis E.D. & Ottman R., 1996).
In some families, some individuals have essential tremor while others have other
movement disorders, such as involuntary muscle tensing (dystonia). The potential
genetic connection between essential tremor and other movement disorders is an active
area of research.

2.10. Differentiating essential tremors from other neurological disorders

 Essential tremor usually occurs when the hands are into some activity or action,
while tremor due to other types of neurological disorders like Parkinson disease
are more prominent in your hands are in resting position (Adler C.H. et al,
1997).
 Essential tremor does not reflect any other health disorder, but Parkinson's
disease is associated with deformed posture, slow movement and shuffling gait
(William G. Ondo & Rosabel Young, 2017). However, people with essential
tremor sometimes develop other neurological signs and symptoms, such as an
unsteady gait and gesture.

23 | P a g e
Identification & Characterization of the type of tremors in handwriting and expert
opinion thereon

 Essential tremor mainly involves your hands, head and voice. Parkinson's
disease tremors usually start in your hands (Samuel A., 1993), and can affect
your legs, chin and other parts of your body.

24 | P a g e