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What Causes Severe Tremors In An Elderly Person?
Question: thank-you, Mom is 91 has periodic tremors which cause her to shake a lot which impairs her movement. She has adequate blood work, has a pacemaker, takes namenta 20mgs daily and has anxiety attacks which are compromised with Xanex. I was wondering if this could be a permanent issue??
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Two medical possibilities are chronic essential tremor and Parkinson's disease. The first of these is a chronic benign condition which many people experience, and is permanent but not degenerative. Parkinson's is a type of dementia accompanied by specific movements, but the doctors appear to have ruled this out. A third possibility is Xanax withdrawal. I would NEVER prescribe Xanax to anyone over age 80, as it leaves the system quickly and can cause withdrawal. I highly recommend talking to her doctor about weaning off Xanax as soon as possible.
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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Two medical possibilities are chronic essential tremor and Parkinson's disease. The first of these is a chronic benign condition which many people experience, and is permanent but not degenerative. Parkinson's is a type of dementia accompanied by specific movements, but the doctors appear to have ruled this out. A third possibility is Xanax withdrawal. I would NEVER prescribe Xanax to anyone over age 80, as it leaves the system quickly and can cause withdrawal. I highly recommend talking to her doctor about weaning off Xanax as soon as possible.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
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