Neural computational modeling reveals a major role of corticospinal gating of central oscillations in the generation of essential tremor

Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder that causes shaking, often in the hands. The source of ET is thought to be an oscillation signal in the brain, but how this signal travels to the muscles and causes tremor is not well understood. This study used a computer model of the brain and spinal cord to simulate how different pathways might transmit the brain's oscillation signal to the arm muscles. The model included the corticospinal pathways and the propriospinal neuronal network. The simulations suggest that the oscillation signal travels through specific corticospinal pathways involving propriospinal neurons, which act as a gate. This gate can either block the signal at rest or allow it to pass during movement, leading to tremor.

• 1
  The study identified that essential tremor could be elicited by the central oscillation signals through the multisynaptic corticospinal pathway involving the propriospinal neuron network.
• 2
  Propriospinal neurons play a key role in gating the central oscillation signal, preventing it from reaching the muscles at rest but allowing it during active tasks.
• 3
  COS frequency is the major factor influencing tremor amplitude, with a greater impact than COS amplitude or stretch reflex gain.