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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Cause Of Sudden Jerking Motions In The Upper Body?

My dad is 78, has within the last 6 months developed sudden jerking motions in his upper body. Arm s, chest, and neck. He has short term memory loss. These jerking motions are strongest when at the table eating. Seems to relax while watching TV. Has trouble sleeping through the night. Averages about 4 hour nightly.
Tue, 25 Mar 2014
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Neurologist, Surgical,  's  Response
Hi. I'm so sorry to hear about your Fathers movement disorder. From what you have described here, it seems like your father has an intention tremor (the jerkiness is present when he is trying to do something like eat, but it goes away when he is sitting still).

There are lots of different causes of those kinds of movement disorders, anything from side effects of medications, to mini strokes to Multiple sclerosis can cause them.

It would be alot more useful and we could have a detailed discussion if I had a little more information about your fathers medical history. What kind of medication he takes and what other medical issues he has had in the past. That would help me or anyone else narrow down the possibilities a bit.

If you would like you can use the Ask a Doctor service on our website and then you will be able to have a more meaningful conversation.

I hope this helps. Take Care. Thanks for coming to HealthCareMagic.com
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What Is The Cause Of Sudden Jerking Motions In The Upper Body?

Hi. I m so sorry to hear about your Fathers movement disorder. From what you have described here, it seems like your father has an intention tremor (the jerkiness is present when he is trying to do something like eat, but it goes away when he is sitting still). There are lots of different causes of those kinds of movement disorders, anything from side effects of medications, to mini strokes to Multiple sclerosis can cause them. It would be alot more useful and we could have a detailed discussion if I had a little more information about your fathers medical history. What kind of medication he takes and what other medical issues he has had in the past. That would help me or anyone else narrow down the possibilities a bit. If you would like you can use the Ask a Doctor service on our website and then you will be able to have a more meaningful conversation. I hope this helps. Take Care. Thanks for coming to HealthCareMagic.com