Index Finger Spasms

[Christina123]

About a week ago I wrote in with symptoms of shaking pinky and ring fingers in left hand, trembling chin and rls signs in left foot.  These symptoms seem to have improved slightly although my ring, pinky and middle fingers in left hand still tremor when held out in front of me.  I am 29 years old and 7 months pregnant.  

Now I am experiencing something completely different.  About 9 days ago my index finger (in left hand also) has begun "tensing up" and contracting into my ring finger.  This happens at least 15-20 times a day.  The contractions do not hurt but I can not make them stop on their own.  The twitches do not seem to be rhythmic however the amount of times the finger contracts and how fast varies.  The index finger will twitch and then stay tight against my middle finger and then will jump out towards my thumb.  About one - two beats per second.  Sometimes I can feel small pulses as it is pressed against my middle finger.  The index finger seems to contract after I have used my left hand.  For instance, after I use my hand to pick up and put something down, and then my hand is empty (not holding anything) the finger twitches.  The other day my index finger did this while I was walking.  However, while I am laying in bed at night or while my hands are on my lap the finger does not seem to contract.

I can also sometimes feel my left big toe twitch.  Twitch might not be the right word because I do not see it move - it just feels like it is moving.

I am still very worried about Parkinsons.  Is the earliest sign of Parkinsons this kind of finger spasm?  I have been unable to sleep at night fearing that I will not be able to take care of my baby.  I saw a Neurologist in October of last year and she said everything was OK with my exam and Cranial MRI.  She also said it is common for pregnant women to experience strange neurological symptoms.  Should I return for a second opinion or could this be hormonal?  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome does not state symptoms of finger spasms.  Also from my research I have determined that benign fasciculations do not involve movement of a joint.  Thank you in advance for your opinion.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Christina:

As stated before, Parkinson's tremor is a resting tremor and your events are with action.  In addition, the type of tremor is a pill rolloing tremor in Parkinson's and not what your experiencing.  We have seen muscle fasciculations that move a joint that we have call benign fasciculations, and these have eventually stopped without reoccurrance in our patients.  If your muscle has fasciculations and they are of high amplitude, then they will move a joint (the function of a muscle).  Carpal tunnel is associated with pregnacy and your distribution of symptoms would fit a carpel tunnel (left hand pinky and ring finger).  Restless leg is known to also occur during pregnacy.  It might be a wise decision to see a neurologist had just get examined to confirm that what your experiencing is truely not Parkinson's.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Christina123]

Also - I am not on any medications.  Thank you!

[Christina123]

I occasionally have a vibrating feeling in my left ankle. Would that apply?

[Carol55]

hi, just wanted to mention.  carpal tunnel sure will give you finger spasms.  it sure does for me.  plus  mild spasms and twitching and jerking of my fingers and my wrists/lower arm.  i sounded just like your concerns a few years ago.  the more i dwelled on it, the worse i got!  i bet soon as your baby is born, and you adjust, you'll be back to feeling fine.
good luck
justine

[Christina123]

Justine - I can't tell you how thankful I am for your response.  I am at my wits end with this.  I am sure it is anxiety related.  I appreciate your feedback very much!  Christina

[M]

Christina, I'm just wondering how you managed to post two questions in a few days while I have been trying to post for a year and can never get one in?

[ellenc]

Try posting around 9:00 am EST. I think the Dr. must check into the posts every morning at that time.