Suggest Treatment For Pheochromocytoma
Question: I received the results of the MIBG-123 this afternoon, that was performed last week. Pheochromocytoma is suspected bilaterally in both adrenal areas. Can a pheo. cause and/or is associated with bodily jerking movements (i.e., jerking of arms or whole body) and difficulty speaking, both occurring independently of each other and at random times (but more so when the blood pressure surges? Can pheo. cause staggering (difficulty coordinating both feet when walking upon standing from sitting/lying positions) when the blood pressure falls? Thanks.
Thank you for your reply. I would like to delve deeper into my questions. Yes, I'm familiar with the term orthostatic hypotension. I've experienced it for many years. I should have clarified my question as to whether pheochromocytoma/orthostatic hypotension can "literally" cause (or is associated with) a person to stagger when attempting to walk. Specifically, one is high-stepping, a foot backsteps in a jerk-like response, and both feet are uncoordinated and struggle to find the floor. I do not have a staggering "sensation" but rather I "really do" stagger and have to lean against a wall or drape across a piece of furniture or a counter top until my brain can become clear again a few minutes later, in response to positional change.
In regard to my other question related to jerking of either/both arms and whole body jerking, has such been associated with the release of any catecholamine's? If not, is such associated with blood pressure in any way? Thanks so much.
Brief Answer:
No
Detailed Answer:
I am not aware of any published medical literature that describes the staggering sensation nor the movement disorders that you are experiencing.
However, pheochromocytomas have myriad presentations and they can be so varied and peculiar they are hard to dissect out.
That being said, these appear to be compelling neurological symptoms. I strongly suggest you consult a neurologist in person to seek a diagnosis for these complaints. It may well be from another unrelated condition, that can be potentially treatable.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar