Shaky legs? Think POT!

Primary orthostatic tremor (POT) may be a cause of postural instability in older people. Though unusual, this condition is relatively easily diagnosed, based in part on typical clinical features, impacts on quality of life, and is amenable to symptomatic treatment (Heilman KM. Orthostatic tremor. Arch Neurol 1984; 41: 880-1). We present three cases seen in a general neurology clinic over a 15-month period to highlight the typical clinical features which should alert clinicians to the possibility of this diagnosis.