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I Have Had Diabetes For Over 37 Years, And It
Question: I have had Diabetes for over 37 years, and it is well managed. Five years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's, but only have tremors in my right hand, and no where else. Now, I'm wondering if I have Autonomic Neuropathy instead? It makes more sense.
Brief Answer:
Autonomic neuropathy unlikely. Many possible causes like stroke.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HealthcareMagic!
While I can see why you are perplexed about the Parkinson's diagnosis I do not see any indication of that being autonomic neuropathy either. The term autonomic refers to the autonomic nervous system dealing with functions which we aren't conscious for like heart, lungs, digestive system, bladder control etc. As a result symptoms include these systems (incontinence or retention, orthostatic hypotension, heart rate abnormalities, digestive symptoms, sweating abnormalities etc). Isolated tremor of one limb is not such a manifestation.
As for what is the tremor cause, causes can be many such as Parkinson's (though it should have shown other signs in 5 years), cerebellar stroke, medications, thyroid dysfunction etc. It is hard to pinpoint the cause without a clinical neurological exam for other neurological signs and also other info such as type of tremor (rest tremor, postural tremor or kinetic, movement induced tremor), medication, alleviating factors such as alcohol, family history etc. Also brain imaging through MRI might be necessary for the possibility of a past stroke.
Autonomic neuropathy unlikely. Many possible causes like stroke.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HealthcareMagic!
While I can see why you are perplexed about the Parkinson's diagnosis I do not see any indication of that being autonomic neuropathy either. The term autonomic refers to the autonomic nervous system dealing with functions which we aren't conscious for like heart, lungs, digestive system, bladder control etc. As a result symptoms include these systems (incontinence or retention, orthostatic hypotension, heart rate abnormalities, digestive symptoms, sweating abnormalities etc). Isolated tremor of one limb is not such a manifestation.
As for what is the tremor cause, causes can be many such as Parkinson's (though it should have shown other signs in 5 years), cerebellar stroke, medications, thyroid dysfunction etc. It is hard to pinpoint the cause without a clinical neurological exam for other neurological signs and also other info such as type of tremor (rest tremor, postural tremor or kinetic, movement induced tremor), medication, alleviating factors such as alcohol, family history etc. Also brain imaging through MRI might be necessary for the possibility of a past stroke.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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