What can be done to relieve tremors and fasciculations in my hands?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 41-year-old African American male. I am 5 feet 11 inches and weigh 280 lbs. I have a muscular build and have lifted weights since my early 20s. Late last year, I started to develop chronic tension-type headaches. I was taking Tylenol and Excedrin on a daily basis. I was referred to a neurologist who sent me for an MRI, which was normal. The only thing he saw was an impacted wisdom tooth. Since then, I started to develop mild tremors in both hands and fasciculation in the right index finger. I consulted a neurologist again. He scheduled me for electromyography (EMG) specifically on my right arm. It was performed two months ago. The EMG results were normal. Gradually, the fasciculations spread across my arms, chest, stomach, calves, and thighs. These are when I am at rest or in a stationary position for an extended period. The minute I move around, they seem to disappear. I also seem to develop a mild case of restless leg syndrome in my left leg. I experience extreme fatigue and muscle pain some days, especially in those areas where the twitches have developed. Lastly, I had some issues with shortness of breath and tachycardia. The doctor put me on medicine to help with my elevated blood pressure. I take Bisoprolol 5 mg to assist with the accelerated heart rate. Should I be concerned?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I read your query and understand your concern.

Do not worry. If you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it will be detected in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). I would like you to answer a few questions:

1. Did you drink alcohol?

2. Is there any family history of tremors?

3. Did you take caffeinated drinks?

4. Did you undergo any EEG? Does mild stress cause tremors?

There is one more condition called alcohol withdrawal syndrome present like this. Electrolyte imbalance, infection, anemia, and hypothyroidism will also show similar symptoms. ALS is a rare possibility.

I suggest you to do the following;

1. Exercise regularly and practice yoga.

2. Avoid caffeinated drinks.

3. Avoid alcohol gradually.

I suggest you check your serum B12 levels, serum copper, urine copper level, and iron level. I suggest you take table Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) 10 mg at night and review with reports. Consult your physician and take the medicines accordingly.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spine, the earliest manifestation seen is hyper-intensity in the corticospinal tract. Also in the MRI brain, hyper-intensity can be detected in the internal capsule region. Fasciculation can be seen in vitamin D deficiency, hypocalcemia, or vitamin B12 deficiency. There is no exact treatment for benign fasciculations. However, we can know of any abnormal brain activity through an EEG. So the condition can be treated accordingly.

If you still have queries, please feel free to ask.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.