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Suggest Treatment For Frozen Shoulder And Spasms In The Leg
Question: I went to a neurologist who diagnosed me in 5 minutes with Parkinsons by watching me walk and tapping my knees and pushing on my hands In the meantime I tried to explain that my right leg was spasaming in the thigh and calf only when I sit in a certian position or lay in a certain way. This has been going on for three months only getting worse. Then I started having a few tremors in my ring finger. This is all occurring on my right side. It started in May with a frozen shoulder and I did physio and it corrected it however use of my right hand is a little weak. I sit and can feel a knot in my buttocks and then it goes down the leg. My toes tingle and sometimes my right foot turns red like the circulation is cut off and then when I stand me foot is okay and my cramps go away in my leg. Could also be lacking some kind of minerals.
Brief Answer:
Parkinson's is likely diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I must say though that the diagnosis of a Parkinson syndrome is among the top possibilities from the description that you are providing with rigidity and tremor unilaterally.
You must understand that although it might feel frustrating being given a diagnosis simply by moving your limbs and observing you walk, Parkinson's is diagnosed only by physical exam, there are no lab tests or fancy machines to make the diagnosis.
I am not saying that tests aren't needed, but they are needed mainly to exclude other causes for Parkinsonian signs (like tumor, stroke, XXXXXXX disease etc) and in the majority of cases the results come back normal leaving us just the physical neuroexam for the diagnosis.
So if not already done I'd recommend routine blood tests (blood count, blood sugar, liver and kidney function tests, electrolytes) as well as MRI exam.
If tests come back normal, with clear Parkinson signs on exam then Parkinson is very likely the correct diagnosis. If you notice improvement by levodopa treatment it would further confirm the diagnosis.
Another suggestion I'd make is consider starting instead of levodopa what are called dopamine agonists. Parkinson's is caused by the lack of a substance called dopamine in some brain structures. Levodopa (dopamine) is correct in replacing the missing substance but in those younger then 65 it's generally preferred to start with dopa agonists which enhance the effect of the existing dopamine saving levodopa for later years when it's levels are lower and it's really necessary. Discuss this option with the neurologist.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Parkinson's is likely diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I must say though that the diagnosis of a Parkinson syndrome is among the top possibilities from the description that you are providing with rigidity and tremor unilaterally.
You must understand that although it might feel frustrating being given a diagnosis simply by moving your limbs and observing you walk, Parkinson's is diagnosed only by physical exam, there are no lab tests or fancy machines to make the diagnosis.
I am not saying that tests aren't needed, but they are needed mainly to exclude other causes for Parkinsonian signs (like tumor, stroke, XXXXXXX disease etc) and in the majority of cases the results come back normal leaving us just the physical neuroexam for the diagnosis.
So if not already done I'd recommend routine blood tests (blood count, blood sugar, liver and kidney function tests, electrolytes) as well as MRI exam.
If tests come back normal, with clear Parkinson signs on exam then Parkinson is very likely the correct diagnosis. If you notice improvement by levodopa treatment it would further confirm the diagnosis.
Another suggestion I'd make is consider starting instead of levodopa what are called dopamine agonists. Parkinson's is caused by the lack of a substance called dopamine in some brain structures. Levodopa (dopamine) is correct in replacing the missing substance but in those younger then 65 it's generally preferred to start with dopa agonists which enhance the effect of the existing dopamine saving levodopa for later years when it's levels are lower and it's really necessary. Discuss this option with the neurologist.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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