Tick-Tock on the Ward: Essential Palatal Tremor in a Pediatric Patient

A previously healthy 14-year-old girl presented with a 2-week history of tinnitus and continuous movement in the throat. There was no impairment of speech or swallow. Sleep was disturbed due to tinnitus, with a ‘tick-tock’ sound; sensory relieving techniques were not identified. Examination revealed a repetitive rhythmic movement of the uvula and soft palate (levator veli palatini) with an audible click [Video]. There was inability to voluntarily suppress the movement. Neurological examination was othe rwise normal.
Source: The Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Rediscovering the Physical Exam Source Type: research