Worried About A Brain Tumor
Question: I have been experiencing a “sleep start” of sorts but only in my left hand. I will be almost asleep and my left hand will tremor, sometimes just move the fingers, sometimes shake a little more aggressively. This only happens when I am either just falling asleep or just waking up. I mentioned it to my GP and he is referring me to a neurologist, but I have to wait 3 months for an appointment. He didn’t seemed over concerned, just wanted to rule out possible seizure activity. I do have a history of a Chiari I Malformation and I had a decompression surgery for that 20 years ago. I’m really worried about a brain tumor. But my doctor only mentioned that he wanted to rule out seizure activity so that I could be on medicine should I need to be. Is it safe to wait three months for an appointment?
Brief Answer:
I will explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There may be other possible causes for your health issues than brain tumors.Irritation of the peripheral nerves such as carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, etc. may cause tremors as you go to sleep.Partial seizures also may be another possibility.
I don't think there is any emergency in your case, you can wait for the appointment with your Neurologist.The treatment depends on the cause.
I hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.
I will explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There may be other possible causes for your health issues than brain tumors.Irritation of the peripheral nerves such as carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, etc. may cause tremors as you go to sleep.Partial seizures also may be another possibility.
I don't think there is any emergency in your case, you can wait for the appointment with your Neurologist.The treatment depends on the cause.
I hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
So I won’t be risking something bad progressing by waiting 3 months to be seen?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for the follow-up question.
I think the most likely cause of your issues is peripheral nerve damage, in this case, there is no emergency.
If you notice any worsening of symptoms or any new symptoms, I think you should be evaluated by the Neurologist sooner.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for the follow-up question.
I think the most likely cause of your issues is peripheral nerve damage, in this case, there is no emergency.
If you notice any worsening of symptoms or any new symptoms, I think you should be evaluated by the Neurologist sooner.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. LAKSHMI