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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Too Young for Parkinson's Disease?
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Too Young for Parkinson's Disease?
by Christina123, Jan 21, 2001 12:00AM
I am a 29 year old woman and currently expecting my first child. I am 6 months pregnant. In June 1999 I started waking up in the middle of the night with my left thumb moving back and forth. Concerned, I went to a neurologist and underwent a Cranial MRI and Neurological Exam. Both came back normal.
Over the last two weeks I have started to develop a tremor in my pinky and ring finger in my left hand. I do not have a tremor in my right hand at all. My finger tremors occur when I extend my hand in front of me or if I try to hold my hand around a glass. Putting pressure on the pinky seems to make it worse. The tremor is a rythmic back and forth motion that I can make disappear if I concentrate hard. This is not a constant tremor and occurs mostly in the evening. Occasionally I wake up in the middle of the night with a numb ring finger and pinky on my left hand. This goes away quickly if I shake my hand out and does not happen often. I have also noticed that if I drop something my chin muscles slightly tremble which is very disconcerting. This also happens when I am drinking out of a glass sometimes. My shoulders are stiff but that could be from sleeping on my side due to the pregnancy. I also have occasional "pins & needles" feelings in my left foot but I wonder if that is RLS due to the pregnancy?
As you can see I am very confused. I know I am too young for Parkinson's disease but I am still very worried. There is no family history of Parkinsons and I am not experiencing slowness of movement or stiffness (other than my shoulder pain). I am hoping that you will have another idea as to why I may be experiencing these finger & chin tremors other than early onset Parkinsons. Perhaps it is hormonal from the pregnancy?
Thank you for your feedback.
Over the last two weeks I have started to develop a tremor in my pinky and ring finger in my left hand. I do not have a tremor in my right hand at all. My finger tremors occur when I extend my hand in front of me or if I try to hold my hand around a glass. Putting pressure on the pinky seems to make it worse. The tremor is a rythmic back and forth motion that I can make disappear if I concentrate hard. This is not a constant tremor and occurs mostly in the evening. Occasionally I wake up in the middle of the night with a numb ring finger and pinky on my left hand. This goes away quickly if I shake my hand out and does not happen often. I have also noticed that if I drop something my chin muscles slightly tremble which is very disconcerting. This also happens when I am drinking out of a glass sometimes. My shoulders are stiff but that could be from sleeping on my side due to the pregnancy. I also have occasional "pins & needles" feelings in my left foot but I wonder if that is RLS due to the pregnancy?
As you can see I am very confused. I know I am too young for Parkinson's disease but I am still very worried. There is no family history of Parkinsons and I am not experiencing slowness of movement or stiffness (other than my shoulder pain). I am hoping that you will have another idea as to why I may be experiencing these finger & chin tremors other than early onset Parkinsons. Perhaps it is hormonal from the pregnancy?
Thank you for your feedback.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Jan 21, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Christina:
I am sorry about your tremors, but congradulations on your soon-to-be child. As you mentioned, restless leg syndrome is known to occur during pregnancy. Your tremor sounds like an essential tremor-that is you get it while doing something like stretching out your hands, holding a glass of water and so forth. These can be brought on by medications such as those used for nausea and vomiting. I did not notice you telling me that you were taking any medications. Neuropathies, such as carpal tunnel, facial nerve palsy, can occur with pregnancy. I would suggest seeing a neurologist who is familiar with female pregnancy issues.
Your tremor is different from that seen in Parkinson's. A Parkinson's tremor is a resting tremor, or when you hands are at rest and relaxed they would tremor. The tremor in Parkinson's can be seen in the hands, feet, chin but it is usually at rest. There are certain medications that can cause Parkinsonism, but again I did not read that you were on medication. I don't think your symptoms are indicating Parkinson's.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
I am sorry about your tremors, but congradulations on your soon-to-be child. As you mentioned, restless leg syndrome is known to occur during pregnancy. Your tremor sounds like an essential tremor-that is you get it while doing something like stretching out your hands, holding a glass of water and so forth. These can be brought on by medications such as those used for nausea and vomiting. I did not notice you telling me that you were taking any medications. Neuropathies, such as carpal tunnel, facial nerve palsy, can occur with pregnancy. I would suggest seeing a neurologist who is familiar with female pregnancy issues.
Your tremor is different from that seen in Parkinson's. A Parkinson's tremor is a resting tremor, or when you hands are at rest and relaxed they would tremor. The tremor in Parkinson's can be seen in the hands, feet, chin but it is usually at rest. There are certain medications that can cause Parkinsonism, but again I did not read that you were on medication. I don't think your symptoms are indicating Parkinson's.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Member Comments (3)
by Christina123, Jan 21, 2001 12:00AM
Sorry! Should be June 2000 (not June 1999) in first paragraph.
by Donna Eich, Feb 19, 2001 12:00AM
What medications can cause Parkinsons Disease Symptoms???
