Re: Tremors

Posted By CCF Neuro MD on September 04, 1997 at 10:59:08:

In Reply to: Tremors posted by Kim Weston on September 01, 1997 at 17:03:36:







: I have been having tremors in my head since I was given an "overdose" of my synthroid.  I had hyperthyroidism and was treated with radio-iodine in 1990 and recently my thyroid became underactive and a general practitioner increased my dosage too much.  After 3 weeks on the new dosage, I became worse and worse.  I followed up with my endocrinologist and he took me off the synthroid completely and I was off of it for 3 weeks... I started becoming depressed and my muscles were getting fatigued so he put me back on the Synthroid (my old dosage, .1 mg).  I am still unable to get rid of the tremors.  I also have Marfan's syndrome which  I have found no indication that this is a symptom of that.  I don't have the connective tissue, eye, or heart problems that occur with Marfan's; most of my problem is in my bones.  I live in a very small area and I have to rely on specialists coming here only on a part time basis.  I have an appointment with a neurologist on Sept. 29, but I don't know if I can wait that long for an answer.  The tremors go away when I am sleeping and I have about an hour in the morning where I don't have them too.  Once they start they don't go away until I am asleep again.  This has been going on for 2 months and I would like some information, if someone can help me with this information I have given you.   Thank you.



   =
Dear Kim:
Tremors can be from various causes, and obviously, the tremor needs to be observed by a neurologist to come to a precise diagnosis. Probably the commonest tremor is the physiological tremor which all normal persons have to a varying degree if appropriately tested. This tremor can be aggravated by anxiety, caffeine, alcohol withdrawal, and a variety of medications (including thyroxine). Another common tremor, at times disabling, is the essential tremor, which often runs in families, may involve the head, responds to alcohol, and can also be aggravated by the factors I mention above. Besides these, there are several neurological conditions such as Parkinsons disease, MS, cerebellar disease, and others that are associated with characteristic types of tremor.
While it is conceivable that you may have any of these conditions, you should not worry about the problem or its causes till you see you neurologist, because more likely than not, your condition is benign.
Thyroxine tends to hang around in the system for several days; if your tremor is indeed related to the medication, do not expect dramatic relief immediately on stopping it.
In case you live near Cleveland, you are welcome to consult with Dr. R. S. Burns, who is a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic specializing in movement disorders. The number to call for appointments is [phone] locally, or [phone] toll free.
Good luck!
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.