Barkley Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical (3P) Assessment Practice Exam

A characteristic of intention tremors is that they become more pronounced with voluntary movement. Intention tremors are typically associated with disorders affecting the cerebellum, where the tremor occurs during purposeful movements, such as reaching for an object. Unlike resting tremors, which occur when the muscles are at rest, intention tremors are exacerbated when a person tries to make a deliberate movement towards a target.

This feature is indicative of the coordination issues stemming from cerebellar dysfunction, as the body struggles to fine-tune the motor control required for precise movements. Therefore, as a person attempts to execute a voluntary action, the tremor intensifies, distinguishing it from other types of tremors that may not exhibit this pattern.

The other options present characteristics that do not define intention tremors. For instance, the movements do not resemble snake-like motions; the tremor does not typically disappear with sleep, as it is linked to voluntary actions; and it certainly does not disappear with voluntary movement, which is contrary to the very definition of an intention tremor.