HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Involuntary Tremors In Right Extremities And Unsteady Gait?

default
Posted on Tue, 18 Aug 2015
Question: Yes, I would like to know what disorder or disease that is affecting my mother. She is 83 yrs old, was relatively healthy all her life until she was diagnose with Lymphoma in Nov. 2014. She under went 6 rounds of Chemo and completed that XXXXXXX 3rd of this year. Overall, she did very well with the chemo she had. About 2 weeks ago, she started having involuntary, uncoordinated movements to her right extremities. She had a CT scan done of her head which was negative. Her symptoms get worse with stimulation of various kinds. They are not the tremors of Parkinson's Disease. The movements are more like someone with Cerebral Palsy. It has affected her gait, her fine motor movements writing are somewhat affected also. Her speech is clear, however, it seems as though she is a little more forgetful when the symptoms are at their worse. She has not been taking any medication. Her CBC and Chemistry are WNLs. Her oncologist does not believe it can be from the type of chemo she had. We found out Benadryl will pretty much stop the involuntary movements for at least 12 hrs. The movements came on over a course of days, not weeks or months. She stated the problem does not bother her at night when she goes to bed. The movements are worse when she is talking to someone or sitting down eating her meals. Do you have any idea what this could be? She is suppose to see a neurologist Aug. 3rd.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
If Metoclopramide used, most likely Tardive dyskinesia.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

There is one thing to clarify about your mother's past treatment, did she used Metoclopramide during chemotherapy to prevent vomiting?

If so, then movement disorders you describe are most probably a late side effect of Metoclopramide or Tardive dyskinesia and Benadryl is used as a treatment possibility to improve this condition.

If no use of Metoclopramide, then symptoms and movement disorders you describe could be the start of extrapiramidal ( or basal ganglia) disorders such, dystonia, Parkinson's etc.

Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Take care.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Involuntary Tremors In Right Extremities And Unsteady Gait?

Brief Answer: If Metoclopramide used, most likely Tardive dyskinesia. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your query and understand your concerns. There is one thing to clarify about your mother's past treatment, did she used Metoclopramide during chemotherapy to prevent vomiting? If so, then movement disorders you describe are most probably a late side effect of Metoclopramide or Tardive dyskinesia and Benadryl is used as a treatment possibility to improve this condition. If no use of Metoclopramide, then symptoms and movement disorders you describe could be the start of extrapiramidal ( or basal ganglia) disorders such, dystonia, Parkinson's etc. Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications. Take care.