Ear clicks in palatal tremor caused by activity of the levator veli palatini

Abstract

We describe a patient who developed palatal tremor and presented with ear clicks that appeared to originate from activity of the levator veli palatini and not the tensor veli palatini. This was treated with botulinum toxin. We discuss the motor innervation of the palate in the context of our case, our findings in terms of classification, and how the lower cranial nerve nuclei are involved in the etiology of palatal tremor.