My mother is 53 years of age, has diabetes, a non smoker, (recently stopped in Feb of 06). She suffers from sever shaking in her hands/arms/neck. Pain in her lower back/neck and now is moving to her legs and feet. She is unable to complete simple house work i.e. dishes/mopping etc. Due to, too much activities causes her body to cramp up and start shaking. Holding objects in her hands has become impossible task. ?
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It comes to the point that someone has to pry out the object and massage her hand to relax it. Once that is accomplished pain will rush into her neck and back and sever shaking will start and last for long periods of time. Doctors have rain MRI’s/CAT Scans/Blood Work. And tell her there is nothing wrong with her. I see it on a daily basis. I am scared to leave her at home as she is scared to be alone. And will not shower unless someone is there in case something happens. What is she suffering from? Chronic Pain? ?
Please advise. She is unable to work and Social Security believes thats untrue, Doctors agree she should be on disability but government says otherwise. What test are they not running? ?
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They will only give her mild pain medications and muscle relaxers which due not help. There is something wrong and they are not finding it.

Dr. Joshua’s Answer

This is a difficult situation, to be sure. It seems like she’s been examined by the proper doctors, and extensive tests have been done. Her symptoms continue, however, and she suffers physically, emotionally, and economically. I’m afraid there’s probably not much I can add since she’s been examined by her doctors already.

From the rough description of the symptoms, some possible considerations come to mind, including movement disorders such as essential tremor (relieved to some extent by beta blockers), Parkinson’s disease, and dystonias. It might be useful to have her see a neurologist specializing in movement disorders. Even if no certain diagnosis can be made, some drug treatment trials might be in order. Medication that is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease may provide relief from other movement disorders as well. Epilepsy is an unlikely possibility. Sometimes, a trial with antiepileptic drugs is done, even if there is no evidence of epilepsy. Central muscle relaxants and anxiolytics (such as Valium) are sometimes used. Drug trials are often the last resort and should be initiated by a specialist.

I’m sure her doctors have done a complete bood work, and checked that her electrolyte levels are in order, and that her diabetes is being properly treated.

Last, but not least, there is the possibility that the symptoms are of psychiatric origin. It would not hurt to have her see a psychiatrist to rule out this possibility.

These are just some ideas to work with, I’m speaking in general terms because I cannot assess the symptoms based on that sort description only. Attempt at diagnosis is not possible without taking a thorough history and physically examining your mother. But you can run these by her doctor and see what he/she thinks.