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Neurology (Expert Forum)

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Symptoms of Parkinson's? Please help.

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

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MedHelp Member's Question

Symptoms of Parkinson's? Please help.

by kate56, Jun 28, 2004 12:00AM

Tags: parkinson's, Neurology, benign

Please help...I am 32 years old. My father has advanced Parkinson's Disease and I am afraid that I might be showing early symptoms of this disease. For about the past 6 months I've been having twitches all over my body...not constant but a number of times a day. Most often in my fingers and feet but sometimes in arms and legs. I would not call these tremors but definitely more of a twitch. They come once or twice and then are gone. The twitching is more obvious when I am at rest...like at night before I fall asleep or right when I wake up in the morning. I don't notice the twitches as much during the day -they are definitely more frequent when I am at rest. My question is ...is Parkinson's always characterized as a rhythmic constant tremor or could these twitches be a precursor or early symptom? If this is Parkinson's would the tremor be constant or would it go away? Like I said, the twitches are only occasional. I don't notice any of the other symptoms of Parkinson's...rigidity, masking, anything like that. Other than these annoying occasional twitches i feel great! I am hoping with all my heart that this is not parkinson's because i have seen my father degenerate for the past 17 yrs and I do not want that to be my fate but when i have a twitch it is hard to convince myself that it is not an early sign. If this is not parkinson's what could the twitches be from?Thanks so much for any information you can provide.

Doctor's Answer

by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Jul 01, 2004 12:00AM

Twitches are not an early sign of Parkinson's disease. These twitches could be due to stress, fatigue, electrolyte abnormalities, excessive excercise, or possibly due to a condition called benign fasciculation syndrome. You should discuss this with your primary care doctor, who can perform an exam and determine if further testing is necessary. Good luck.

Member Comments (9)

by shamrock, Jun 30, 2004 12:00AM

To: kate56

I don't know what the neuro will say here but it sounds like Benign Fascilation Disorder (BDF). I have had these twitches for years primarily in my calves, but occasionaly in other parts of my body while at rest. While sleeping or at work I never feel them. It's a harmless condition and if you search this website you will find much information regarding this. Good Luck.

by milmascara, Jun 30, 2004 12:00AM

Benign Fascilation Disorder, harmless? I presume. But, the question is..WHY does it occur, seemingly all of a sudden. I also have muscle twitches/spasms in numerous upper, and lower parts of my body, but I have some disc issues. I am axious to see the neuro reply.

Take care all.

by shamrock, Jun 30, 2004 12:00AM

To: Milmascara

Yes harmless.

by Doug C, Jul 04, 2004 12:00AM

OK, I have twitching as well but the twitching is extremely painful and is primarily in my left arm. It started in my shoulder but spread down my arm and is EXTREMELY painful. I also have twitching in my right arm, but not as violent. My hips also twitch. I think a better word for my shoulder might even be spasms. However not is it only really painful almost all day, it spasms nonstop, easily hundreds of times a day, and it feels extremely "dead". When I apply any pressure to it, it hurts and has this really weird numb feeling. For instance, I can only really fall asleep on my side but when i lay on my shoulders it causes me extreme pain. I also get fatigued really easily in my shoulder muscles when doing any sort of stressful activity. Are these all symptoms of benign fasciculation syndrome as well?

by shamrock, Jul 04, 2004 12:00AM

To: Doug C

All I know is that Benign Fasciclation Syndrome/Disorder is harmless and I haven't read where it is painful. I have read a lot about this this because I have it and didn't know what it was/is. Maybe you should make your question directly to the neuro. Sorry for your pain. Good Luck.

by Doug C, Jul 04, 2004 12:00AM

Thanks- I've been trying but its next to impossible to actually post a question here!

by shamrock, Jul 04, 2004 12:00AM

To: Doug C

I know. Just keep trying. I hope you get some answers. Good Luck.

by Doug C, Jul 05, 2004 12:00AM

Thanks- although I'm not holding my breath to be able to get the answers on this board.

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