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Can Pheochromocytoma Cause Jerking Movements In Body?

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Posted on Tue, 6 May 2014
Question: I received the results of the MIBG-123 this afternoon, that was performed last week. Pheochromocytoma is suspected bilaterally in both adrenal areas. Can a pheo. cause bodily jerking movements (i.e., jerking of arms or whole body) and difficulty speaking, both occurring independently of each other and at random times (but more so when the blood pressure surges? Can pheo. cause staggering (difficulty coordinating both feet when walking upon standing from sitting/lying positions) when the blood pressure falls? Thanks.
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Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 hours later)
Brief Answer: Yes Detailed Answer: I am sorry to hear about the tendency your body has to develop pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas. They are indeed rare tumors. Orthostatic hypotension is medical term used to describe the falling of blood pressure when one rises from the lying down to the sitting/standing position or from sitting to standing position. This is very well known to be associated with these tumors. So it clearly explains the staggering sensation you feel. Because low blood pressure can cause dizziness or light headedness. the body may perceive that as a sense of incoordination too. The jerking movements have not been described to my knowledge. However, when a 'spell' occurs, there are various symptoms that can occur. The spell refers to an episode of sudden surge in 'adrenaline' type of hormones in the bloodstream when released from the tumors. They manifest in the form of classic symptoms such as chest pain,shortness of breath, palpitations (heart racing), sweating and a sense of impending doom. So difficulty in speaking can be a part of such an episode.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (29 minutes later)
Thank you for your reply. I would like to delve deeper into my questions. Yes, I'm familiar with the term orthostatic hypotension. I've experienced it for many years as a symptom of pheo. I should have clarified my question as to whether pheochromocytoma/orthostatic hypotension can "literally" cause (or is associated with) a person to stagger when attempting to walk. Specifically, one is high-stepping, a foot backsteps in a jerk-like response, and both feet are uncoordinated and struggle to find the floor. I do not have a staggering "sensation" but rather I "really do" stagger and have to lean against a wall or drape across a piece of furniture or a counter top until my brain can become clear again a few minutes later, in response to a positional change. I walk as if I am drunk, when of course, I am not. Can this "actual" unbalanced gait and lack of coordination be a part of pheochromocytoma/orthostatic hypotension? In regard to my other question related to jerking of either/both arms and whole body jerking, has such been associated with the release of "any" catecholamine's including dopamines, norepinephrine, epinephrine, etc.? If not, is such associated with blood pressure (high or low) in any way? Thanks so much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (2 hours later)
Brief Answer: Follow up Detailed Answer: Looks like I have answered you elsewhere too. I am not aware of any published medical literature that describes the staggering sensation nor the movement disorders that you are experiencing. However, pheochromocytomas have myriad presentations and they can be so varied and peculiar they are hard to dissect out. That being said, these appear to be compelling neurological symptoms. I strongly suggest you consult a neurologist in person to seek a diagnosis for these complaints. It may well be from another unrelated condition, that can be potentially treatable. For example, pheochromocytoma can cause diabetes which if untreated and poorly controlled can damage the nerves and result in problems of the kind you are reporting.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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Can Pheochromocytoma Cause Jerking Movements In Body?

Brief Answer: Yes Detailed Answer: I am sorry to hear about the tendency your body has to develop pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas. They are indeed rare tumors. Orthostatic hypotension is medical term used to describe the falling of blood pressure when one rises from the lying down to the sitting/standing position or from sitting to standing position. This is very well known to be associated with these tumors. So it clearly explains the staggering sensation you feel. Because low blood pressure can cause dizziness or light headedness. the body may perceive that as a sense of incoordination too. The jerking movements have not been described to my knowledge. However, when a 'spell' occurs, there are various symptoms that can occur. The spell refers to an episode of sudden surge in 'adrenaline' type of hormones in the bloodstream when released from the tumors. They manifest in the form of classic symptoms such as chest pain,shortness of breath, palpitations (heart racing), sweating and a sense of impending doom. So difficulty in speaking can be a part of such an episode.