HomeAnswersNeurologymuscle twitchingIs occasional twitch in fingers and toes a sign of Parkinson's disease?

I have occasional twitches on fingers and toes. Is this a sign of Parkinson's disease?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 25, 2019
Reviewed AtOctober 27, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 48-year-old male. A couple of months back, I was diagnosed with a bulging disc in C6 and C7. I had pain and weakness associated with the problem, and after some treatment, the pain subsided. Since then, my left index finger developed a twitch. I am always at rest, and I experience twitching on and off most of the day. Some days I would hardly notice it at all if any. Now my left middle finger is starting to twitch the same as my index finger, and the twitching in my index finger is not the same as before. And I also noticed an occasional toe twitch on either foot before falling asleep at night. I could blame the finger twitching on the disc, but the twitching on the toes on each foot make me feel concerned. I am concerned about the possibility of Parkinson's disease. I researched all I could on the Internet. I do not have any other symptoms associated with the disease. I also tried to figure out the difference between tremor and twitch. It seems Parkinson's tremors are very rhythmic while mine are more sporadic. I have attached a video of my index finger for your review. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We are elated to have you onboard at icliniq.com.

I watched your uploaded video (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity) and would like to tell you that your symptoms are not suggestive of Parkinson's disease. This kind of twitching is usually related to different causes like:

  1. A pinched nerve.
  2. Thyroid gland dysfunction.
  3. Electrolyte imbalance.
  4. High uric acid levels.
  5. Anemia.
  6. Vitamin D or vitamin B12 deficiency.

For this reason, I would recommend performing nerve conduction studies and some blood tests like

  1. Complete blood count (CBC).
  2. PCR (polymerase chain reaction).
  3. Thyroid hormone levels.
  4. Blood electrolytes.
  5. Vitamin D, and vitamin B12 plasma levels and uric acid plasma levels.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your response.

Today, my right thumb twitched for the first time like my index finger that I had shared in the video. This was very alarming to me because all other twitches have been limited to my left index and middle finger. I could blame the twitches on a pinched nerve or other causes on the left but now it has moved to the right. It only twitched for about ten seconds and then stopped. I am still worried about the possibility of Parkinson's disease. I have made an appointment with my primary physician for bloodwork.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Glad to have you back.

Thank you for the additional information. As a neurologist, I would exclude Parkinson's disease based on what you have described. All the above-mentioned causes, cause bilateral twitching in four limbs. So, I would still recommend performing the above-mentioned tests in order to investigate for possible metabolic causes. Anxiety and caffeine intake may mimic this situation too. So, please try to stay calm.

I hope you will find this answer helpful. I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need me.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Neurology

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