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Suggest Treatment For Tremors, Shuffling Gait And Muscle Stiffness
Question: In a recent family reunion I was asked if my husband had suffered a stroke. He had not, but made me wonder about silent strokes. the last couple of years I have seen changes in him. He has deteriorated quite a bit. He is 74 years old and his motor coordination has slowed down so much that even dealing cards takes him a long time and effort. His walking is more of a shuffle and carries his right hand in an awkward way. This has been make worse by a hip or femur tendon operation in March. I have also notices cognitive decline and memory loss. He took a cognitive test and "passes" it although I was surprised about the questions that he missed.
He has suffered from benign essential tremor for many years and it has become much worse the last few years. He takes medication for this. I am wondering if there is something more going on?
He has suffered from benign essential tremor for many years and it has become much worse the last few years. He takes medication for this. I am wondering if there is something more going on?
Brief Answer:
Parkinson's Disease is a distinct possibility.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic!
The worsening of tremors, shuffling gait and muscle stiffness (leading to awkward posturing of right hand) suggest the possibility of Parkinson's Disease. It is also associated with cognitive decline and memory loss. There are medicines available which can improve his movement related difficulties significantly if the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease is confirmed.
I guess the referral to a neurologist 4 years back was with the goal of differentiating Parkinsonian tremors from essential tremors, but the diagnosis may have been missed then. If you can ask your doctor to have a look at him again, some tests may be conducted and the diagnosis confirmed. Proper treatment will significantly improve his quality of life.
I hope this helps him. Please feel free to ask in case you need any clarifications.
Best wishes.
Dr Preeti Parakh
MD Psychiatry
Parkinson's Disease is a distinct possibility.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic!
The worsening of tremors, shuffling gait and muscle stiffness (leading to awkward posturing of right hand) suggest the possibility of Parkinson's Disease. It is also associated with cognitive decline and memory loss. There are medicines available which can improve his movement related difficulties significantly if the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease is confirmed.
I guess the referral to a neurologist 4 years back was with the goal of differentiating Parkinsonian tremors from essential tremors, but the diagnosis may have been missed then. If you can ask your doctor to have a look at him again, some tests may be conducted and the diagnosis confirmed. Proper treatment will significantly improve his quality of life.
I hope this helps him. Please feel free to ask in case you need any clarifications.
Best wishes.
Dr Preeti Parakh
MD Psychiatry
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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