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Parkinson's Disease, Leg Cramps. Taking Benedryl, Cyclobenzaprine. Family History Of Epilepsy. Causes For Shaking?
Hello! I m a 3rd year med student. I can t seem to find an answer for my dad. We ve consulted many neurologists and no answer. My dad is a 60 year old male. He has diagnosed with Parkinson s 6 years ago. As predicted, the disease has gotten worse over the years. He suffers from nocturnal leg cramps which are generally relieved by Benadryl or Cyclobenzaprine . Recently though, he has noticed that his entire body begins to shake and wake him up in the middle of the night. His mother (my grandmother) had a history of epilipsy. I wanted to know is the shaking of his body due to a complication of Parkisons progressing or it is something else? Thanks in advance for your help. I appreciate it.
Thu, 25 Oct 2012
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
There are three possibilities to explain the involuntary shaking in your father's case:
1. Dyskinesia- these are involuntary movements, which are common in patients with PD. They are believed to be due to levodopa or pramipexole/ropinirole effect (seen at the peak effect or at end of effect of these medicines).
2. Effect of PD worsening- tremors of PD may get worse over time.
3. Epilepsy- in this condition, the person should lose consciousness, if shaking affects all four limbs.
In any case, if you record a video of these movements and show them to the neurologist, it would be helpful.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
Thank you for posting your query.
There are three possibilities to explain the involuntary shaking in your father's case:
1. Dyskinesia- these are involuntary movements, which are common in patients with PD. They are believed to be due to levodopa or pramipexole/ropinirole effect (seen at the peak effect or at end of effect of these medicines).
2. Effect of PD worsening- tremors of PD may get worse over time.
3. Epilepsy- in this condition, the person should lose consciousness, if shaking affects all four limbs.
In any case, if you record a video of these movements and show them to the neurologist, it would be helpful.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
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