What is a common feature of benign familial essential tremor?

A key characteristic of benign familial essential tremor is that the shaking tends to worsen with emotional stress and can often be temporarily alleviated by alcohol consumption. This pattern is distinctly associated with essential tremor and serves as a hallmark feature of the condition. Patients frequently report an increase in tremor intensity during stressful situations or activities that require fine motor skills, like writing or using hand tools. The short-term relief provided by alcohol is considered a unique feature, as alcohol can suppress the tremors temporarily, leading to improved motor function for a period of time.

In the context of the other options, while tremors might occasionally show varying patterns, it’s less common for essential tremor to be influenced by high temperatures or to be exclusively unilateral, as it typically affects both sides of the body, particularly the hands. Tremors that are constant even at rest are more characteristic of other movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, rather than essential tremor, which primarily manifests during intentional movements or when posturing against gravity.