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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes A Tremor In Hand After A Shoulder Surgery?

My husband had surgery in June, 2010 on his right shoulder to repair a partially torn rotator cuff and bicep detachment. A nerve block was inserted in his neck/shoulder area for pain. When the block was removed three days after surgery, there was a tremor in his right hand - sort of a rolling motion between his thumb and first finger. The orthopedic surgeon could not determine the tremor s cause and referred my husband to a neurologist for tests. The neurologist spent five minutes with him and said that it was Parkinson s. He has no other Parkinson s symptoms. He prescribed Mysoline, which had no effect on the tremor and made him feel as though he were on speed. He was referred to a neurologist who specializes in motion disorders who prescribed Sinemet. After beginning with 1/2 tablet 3x a day, my husband is now taking 2 1/2 tablets 4x a day with no reduction in the tremor; in fact, his tremor has increased. We were informed that Sinemet was the go to medication for Parkinson s. However, having been on it for several months with no change, maybe this tremor isn t Parkinson s-related. We would like information as to whether this tremor could be related to the shoulder surgery and/or the nerve block that was used.
Tue, 31 Mar 2020
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Neurologist 's  Response
Hi,

I don't think that the tremor is related to the nerve block or surgery. The nerves that traverse to the thumb and index finger do not pass near the surgery site that you mentioned. Even if they did, there is no such complication for surgery. Regarding to the tremor, you should describe it better. It would help if I could see a clip of the hand, but overall, as you say it is like a rolling motion, the first diagnosis will be early Parkinson's disease or a Parkinsonism (symptoms like Parkinson's disease, but due to other etiologies).

An essential tremor should be considered but less likely. You should inform me 1- Are there any other symptoms like slowing in regular activities such as getting up and walking, or decreased balance during walking? 2- What is your husband's age? 3- Have the tremor increased over the past years?
Another important thing is that you should have done a brain MRI to reveal some etiologies that cause such symptoms (such as a small stroke).

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Hooman Mahmoudi, Neurologist
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What Causes A Tremor In Hand After A Shoulder Surgery?

Hi, I don t think that the tremor is related to the nerve block or surgery. The nerves that traverse to the thumb and index finger do not pass near the surgery site that you mentioned. Even if they did, there is no such complication for surgery. Regarding to the tremor, you should describe it better. It would help if I could see a clip of the hand, but overall, as you say it is like a rolling motion, the first diagnosis will be early Parkinson s disease or a Parkinsonism (symptoms like Parkinson s disease, but due to other etiologies). An essential tremor should be considered but less likely. You should inform me 1- Are there any other symptoms like slowing in regular activities such as getting up and walking, or decreased balance during walking? 2- What is your husband s age? 3- Have the tremor increased over the past years? Another important thing is that you should have done a brain MRI to reveal some etiologies that cause such symptoms (such as a small stroke). Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Hooman Mahmoudi, Neurologist