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What Causes Tremors In Hand And Arm?
Question: My husband is having spasms or tremors...I don't know how to distinguish... that affect his hand/arm movement, his ability to walk and his balance. He falls frequently. He is a dialysis patient and the neurologist suggested these might be due to a buildup of creatinine. Could there be another cause?
Is there any relief?
Is there any relief?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is a little difficult to express an opinion on other potential causes. That is because in evaluating such symptoms such as abnormal movements and balance issues physical examination has a vital part, perhaps more so than in any other neurologic subdivision.
Generally speaking the group of disorders which may also produce a similar clinical picture are parkinsonian syndromes (Parkinson's is the most common one but there are others as well which could manifest with tremor, cramps, balance issues etc). However I believe the neurologist considered that possibility and excluded it from his physical exam, so I am inclined to side with his opinion.
That is also because neurological complications are very common in patients with renal failure, due to uremia and other toxic products accumulation, electrolyte changes, rapid changes in blood components concentration etc.
As for remedy, if due to build up of uremia it's dialysis renal transplant, careful monitoring of electrolytes, blood count and correction of alterations, correction of vitamin deficiencies. Dialysis and corrections should be gradual as too rapid changes may produce symptoms on their own.
Of course these measures while helpful can never achieve complete balance, do not substitute for the real thing, some issues will be there unfortunately.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is a little difficult to express an opinion on other potential causes. That is because in evaluating such symptoms such as abnormal movements and balance issues physical examination has a vital part, perhaps more so than in any other neurologic subdivision.
Generally speaking the group of disorders which may also produce a similar clinical picture are parkinsonian syndromes (Parkinson's is the most common one but there are others as well which could manifest with tremor, cramps, balance issues etc). However I believe the neurologist considered that possibility and excluded it from his physical exam, so I am inclined to side with his opinion.
That is also because neurological complications are very common in patients with renal failure, due to uremia and other toxic products accumulation, electrolyte changes, rapid changes in blood components concentration etc.
As for remedy, if due to build up of uremia it's dialysis renal transplant, careful monitoring of electrolytes, blood count and correction of alterations, correction of vitamin deficiencies. Dialysis and corrections should be gradual as too rapid changes may produce symptoms on their own.
Of course these measures while helpful can never achieve complete balance, do not substitute for the real thing, some issues will be there unfortunately.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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