Does this sound like a form of Neurodegeneration, and do any affect 20 year old?

[Cow527]

  Hello all,

  I have 20 years old, and I think I have some kind of neurodegeneration. I don't know much about them, but to me it sounds like Shy Drager or Parkinson's. Do they attack people as young as me, or is there one that does?

About 2 years ago I started getting weekly night terrors, and a tremor in my left hand. It would only twitch while the hand was completely relaxed: eg, in my pocket or resting. This symptom persisted until 6 monthes ago, until the frequency increased and other symptoms emerged.

Now the night terrors are nightly, and I have been having problems breathing. The resting tremor affects both my hands and feet and I am suffering from muscle faciculations (sorry if I spelled that wrong) on my entire body. My legs feel week and cramped most of the day, but my gait has not been affected. Also, yesterday my hand started to cramp on the side opposite the thumb. There is no purpose to the movements, but it's very painful. I can sit and watch the side of my hand pulsate. I don't know if this is related, but my hands are now always cold, no matter what the weather is. It could be related to my heart or something. I also have myoclonic jerks in my arms and legs reguardless of how sleepy I am. They happen at random intervuls during the day. There seems to be something twitching on my at any given time.

  The earliest I could get an appointment is March 21st, so please help me. I'm not expecting a full diagnosis, but I am getting worried. A new symptom seems to emerge every few weeks. If you have anything to suggest, please do. Thank you.

[Cow527]

Thank you for the responses. The appointment is with the neurologist. I live close to Edmonton and their aren't many neurologists in the area. I'll look into if I can get onto a cancelation list.

There could be something wrong with my thyroid that the doctor missed. I'll see if I can get another blood work done. I also recently found out that my Identical Twin Brother has the static thumb twitch that started my symptoms. Maybe he has an earlier state of the same condition.

I've been doing some research into ALS recently. Does that sound probable? I can only find general information reguarding it, but the age of onset is possible for people of my age. Thanks for any more responses.

[childrenrtreasures]

I don't know much about Parkinson's and Shy Drager but have you had your vit. B12 levels checked? What about potassium?

I hope you're able to get some answers soon. I have similar symptoms due to thyroid disease (with the exception of night terrors...my son had those when he was a toddler though...VERY scary!!). I know you said you're dr has ruled it out but have you had your thyroid antibodies checked (TPO and Tg)? My labs have always been in range but it doesn't necessarily matter since the antibodies cause my symptoms to swing between hyper and hypo.

Just a thought.

Kelly

[patsy10]

Is your appointment with a neurologist?. March is a long time away. I put my name on a cancellation list so instead of waiting 6 weeks.  I got an appt. in 2 weeks do to a cancellation. It's very scary to have symptoms like this and then have to wait so long for an appt.  Good luck to you.

[Cow527]

Sorry for this post. I also meant to say that the doctor has ruled out any thyroid or calcium related causes.