What characterizes the "pill-rolling" tremor in Parkinson's disease?

The "pill-rolling" tremor associated with Parkinson's disease is indeed characterized as usually unilateral. This type of tremor typically starts on one side of the body and is best observed when the patient is at rest, specifically affecting the hands and fingers. The action resembles the motion of rolling a small pill between the thumb and forefinger, hence the name.

While tremors can occur on both sides of the body as the disease progresses, it is most common for the initial manifestation to appear on one side. This asymmetry in the onset is a notable characteristic that can aid in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Additionally, it is important to clarify that tremors associated with Parkinson's are generally more pronounced at rest rather than during movement, which contrasts with other forms of tremor, such as essential tremor. Furthermore, these tremors can occur in the early stages of the disease rather than being a late manifestation, emphasizing that recognizing these signs early is vital for timely diagnosis and intervention.