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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Confused by my symptoms
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Confused by my symptoms
by Jack, Dec 31, 2000 12:00AM
Hello,
I' a 34 year old male recently diagnosed by an Army Doc (Not a Neurologist) to have a Begin Essential Tremor (ET). I have tried to do some research on my symptoms and I'm really confused now. My tremor is in the form of a mild head shaking that comes and goes. It seems to worsen when I'm standing very still like at the position of attention or when I'm sitting or resting but disappears when I'm sleeping or performing a type of action. In my research I noticed that a resting tremor points toward Parkinson's Disease therefore my confusion because I seem to have none of the other symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. However, I also have these annoying head pressure pains (not a headache) on each of my temples that may indicate Brain Cancer/Tumors. My Doc told me this pressure pain was caused by me grinding my teeth to help control the tremors. At first I believed him but now I'm not so sure. This Doc put me on 10mg of Inderal as a daily dosage to ease the tremors. I believe this dosage is way to little to do anything and has not helped at all and I do plan to ask for a greater dosage. My symptoms also include a stiff neck which is sometimes painful (but this is rare). Once a friend of mine pointed out two red marks running down the two predominate muscles in my neck and jokingly asked if my girlfriend had grabbed me hard behind the neck to kiss me. I knew something was not right with these marks so I just replied to him that I was becoming a red neck. I'm not sure of the cause of these red marks unless I rubbed my neck too much but that seems unlikely. Sometimes I can locate various spots on my head, which are painful to the touch but they too come and go. I can also hear a crunching sound at times when I turn my head. Lastly, I just noticed I have these semi-deep, noticeable groves on my head, one on my forehead and the other running down my left temple close to my ear. I'm not sure if these are related to all this but I can't remember having such predominate groves running down my head before. Besides all this I'm generally a healthy guy, never sick and keep myself in great shape (the Army sees to this). However, 15 years in the Airborne Infantry can take a toll on ones body. I remember a few bad jumps and I'm wondering if this is maybe a result of an injury to my back/spine? I'm just so confused and was wondering if anyone my have an opinion on these symptoms. I do plan to go back to my Doc and beg to see a Neurologist after the holidays but just wanted some additional ammunition before I returned. Happy New year to all and thanks in advance for any help!
Jack
I' a 34 year old male recently diagnosed by an Army Doc (Not a Neurologist) to have a Begin Essential Tremor (ET). I have tried to do some research on my symptoms and I'm really confused now. My tremor is in the form of a mild head shaking that comes and goes. It seems to worsen when I'm standing very still like at the position of attention or when I'm sitting or resting but disappears when I'm sleeping or performing a type of action. In my research I noticed that a resting tremor points toward Parkinson's Disease therefore my confusion because I seem to have none of the other symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. However, I also have these annoying head pressure pains (not a headache) on each of my temples that may indicate Brain Cancer/Tumors. My Doc told me this pressure pain was caused by me grinding my teeth to help control the tremors. At first I believed him but now I'm not so sure. This Doc put me on 10mg of Inderal as a daily dosage to ease the tremors. I believe this dosage is way to little to do anything and has not helped at all and I do plan to ask for a greater dosage. My symptoms also include a stiff neck which is sometimes painful (but this is rare). Once a friend of mine pointed out two red marks running down the two predominate muscles in my neck and jokingly asked if my girlfriend had grabbed me hard behind the neck to kiss me. I knew something was not right with these marks so I just replied to him that I was becoming a red neck. I'm not sure of the cause of these red marks unless I rubbed my neck too much but that seems unlikely. Sometimes I can locate various spots on my head, which are painful to the touch but they too come and go. I can also hear a crunching sound at times when I turn my head. Lastly, I just noticed I have these semi-deep, noticeable groves on my head, one on my forehead and the other running down my left temple close to my ear. I'm not sure if these are related to all this but I can't remember having such predominate groves running down my head before. Besides all this I'm generally a healthy guy, never sick and keep myself in great shape (the Army sees to this). However, 15 years in the Airborne Infantry can take a toll on ones body. I remember a few bad jumps and I'm wondering if this is maybe a result of an injury to my back/spine? I'm just so confused and was wondering if anyone my have an opinion on these symptoms. I do plan to go back to my Doc and beg to see a Neurologist after the holidays but just wanted some additional ammunition before I returned. Happy New year to all and thanks in advance for any help!
Jack
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Dec 31, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Jack:
Sorry that your having problems with your neck. Benign essential tremor can be found of the head/neck region (i.e. Kathrine Hepburn). Usually these are intention or postural tremors and not resting tremors. It sounds like it a postural tremor, as it occurs when your neck is holding up your head. These usually run in families, get worse with fatigue or stress. We usually will do a thyroid screen to rule out thyroid problems. The medication is appropriate for the treatment of essential tremor. If you had neurological signs or focality in the neurological exam we might get a MRI of the brain. I imagine, the dose of the beta blocker is a starting dose and it is always better to start low and work up on dosing of any medication.
You are correct in thinking that resting tremor is associated with Parkinson/Parkinsonism. However, this is usually more of a chin tremor when found in the head, pill rolling tremor when found in the extremities, and can often be seen in the ankles. Your tremor doesn't have the qualities one imagines for Parkinson disease.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Sorry that your having problems with your neck. Benign essential tremor can be found of the head/neck region (i.e. Kathrine Hepburn). Usually these are intention or postural tremors and not resting tremors. It sounds like it a postural tremor, as it occurs when your neck is holding up your head. These usually run in families, get worse with fatigue or stress. We usually will do a thyroid screen to rule out thyroid problems. The medication is appropriate for the treatment of essential tremor. If you had neurological signs or focality in the neurological exam we might get a MRI of the brain. I imagine, the dose of the beta blocker is a starting dose and it is always better to start low and work up on dosing of any medication.
You are correct in thinking that resting tremor is associated with Parkinson/Parkinsonism. However, this is usually more of a chin tremor when found in the head, pill rolling tremor when found in the extremities, and can often be seen in the ankles. Your tremor doesn't have the qualities one imagines for Parkinson disease.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD