Can Propranolol Reduce Tremors in Parkinson's Disease? - Video

Propranolol, is a beta-blocker that inhibits the action of stress hormones. It was developed for high blood pressure and heart arrhythmias, has been around for a long time, and is already used as a standard treatment for essential tremor -- a condition in which people experience tremors without other neurological symptoms. There were already indications that propranolol might reduce tremors in Parkinson's, but until now, no thorough research has explored its potential effects.

Researchers studied 27 people with Parkinson's who experienced tremors. They were given propranolol on one day and a placebo on another day. A device on their hands measured the intensity of their tremors, while an MRI scan mapped brain activity. This was done both at rest and during a task involving stressful mathematical calculations. The stress response was measured by pupil size and heart rate, both of which increased during the calculations. As expected, without medication, tremors worsened during stress.

The study showed that propranolol reduced tremors both at rest and during stress. The MRI scans revealed how this works: after taking the medication, the brain circuit responsible for tremors showed less activity.

Researchers also noted that propranolol worked to reduce tremors at rest as well.

Reference: https://www.radboudumc.nl/en/news-items/2024/propranolol-reduces-tremors-in-parkinson-s-disease