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Neurology (Expert Forum)
One-sided arm/hand shaking, worse at night
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One-sided arm/hand shaking, worse at night
by Jake556, May 20, 2008 09:35AM
I'm a 46 y/o male. I take 400mgs of Tegretol/day for control of seizures. Also taking 60 mgs of Cymbalta/day. Over the last several months I've noticed my left hand and arm are shaky when doing certain actions. Eg., when lifting a glass of water to my mouth. More recently, when I wake during the night and reach for the clock or a glass on my nightstand, my left arm and hand shake quite a bit. The shake is sometimes to the point where I cannot even pick up the glass or small clock. This seems to happen only on my left arm/hand. (I am right-handed) My arms/hands do not shake when at rest, only during certain movements. I have similar but milder symptoms when I flex my feet up and down. Could this be a side-effect of the Tegretol? I've been taking Tegretol for 13 years without a problem and it controls my seizures. I'm concerned this may be an early symptom of some other neurological problem (e.g. Parkinson's). Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Member Comments (2)
by check2, May 20, 2008 02:16PM
To: Jake556
HI: I work in Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. I just read your question. Your symptoms are highly suggestive of Parkinson's and not of medication side effects. The two meds you mentioned are used to help reduce the tremors associated with Parkinson's, Essential tremor, and Dystonia. It would be advisable for you to seek a neurological evaluation. If you do not have a "Movement Disorders " facility near you, I can recommend the Johns Hopkins Movement Disorders clinic, Check out the website at www.neuro.jhmi.edu/DBS.Once there, you can navigate around to get a ton of information about Parkinson's, Essential Tremor, Dystonia and their respective medical and surgical treatments. My very best wishes to you for success in getting the "shakes" under better control. check2
by Jake556, May 21, 2008 08:25AM
To: check2
Thank you for your comments. I forgot to mention in my original post that I've also had balance problems over the past couple years. Nothing major, just seems I frequently lose my balance a little bit and catch myself. I'll definitely see a neurologist about this. Thanks again.
