Approximately how many cycles per second does the classic resting tremor in Parkinson's disease occur?

• A. Two cycles per second
• B. Five cycles per second
• C. Eight cycles per second
• D. Twelve cycles per second

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that the classic resting tremor in Parkinson’s disease runs at a relatively slow rhythm. It typically occurs at about 4–6 cycles per second, so five cycles per second is the closest practical approximation. Frequencies at two cycles per second are slower than the usual resting tremor, while eight or twelve cycles per second are faster and more characteristic of other tremor types, such as essential tremor or physiologic tremor in different contexts. Remember, this resting tremor is present when the limb is at rest and tends to lessen with voluntary movement, helping distinguish it from action-related tremors.