Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Question Diagnosis of Parkinsons

My husband is 39 yrs old. About 2 yrs ago he began experiencing pain in his right shoulder. He is very muscular and very active. He went to see an Orthopedic and was told his shoulder muscles were very tight. E-xrays were negative. They gave him some exercises to do and this helped. About a yr ago he began having a burning pain in his right shoulder in a different area. He only had the pain when he, for example, turned around in the car from the front seat to the back seat to reach for something. He went back to the Orthopedic. They did a MRI which showed some tendonitis and bursitis but nothing else. They sent him to physical therapy. This helped the pain but after a neck massage from one of the therapists he showed me a tremor in his right hand. It only tremors when he makes a motion like turning a doorknob or holding a fork. He says he had noticed a slight tremor before the massage but after the massage it is worse. It will tremor a little if he is under a great deal of stress... The Orthopedic would not tell him anything about the tremor, gave him no advise.
We made an appt with a Neurologist. He did a complete exam. His findings were abnormal gait, hand tremor and masking facial features( We do not agree with the masking. He was very nervous that day.)  My husband does not swing his right arm when he walks but we are not sure if this isn't from all the pain he has had in that shoulder.  Not sure if he isn't subconsciously holding it up.The Neurologist says it's early Parkinson.
The Neurologist ordered MRIs of the brain and neck. The brain MRI was normal. The neck MRI showed mild C5-6 disc narrowing and slight bulging and spurring not significantly narrowing the canal. Cord not enlarged or compressed. No mass. Impression: Mild degenerative changes C5-6 no significant stenosis or cord lesion.
Could it be nerves in the arm or neck causing the symptoms? Should we see a Movement Specialist?
How can we be sure it's Parkinson?


3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1083596 tn?1313394676
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Friend,
Parkinsonism is too early to diagnose presently.
The tremors could had been due to stress , improper rest given to the muscles, etc.
There are many reasons for the same. And since MRI brain was perfect, we will not think of any organic cause of the same.
So keep it to other causes (In-organic, which i have mentioned).
I would definitely ask you to get a second opinion as GAIT ABNORMALITY pattern is bothering me........ hence second opinion is must..... and if it's proved due to stress related only, you guys can have a stress-less sleep.
Why i am insisting for a second opinion is due to the fact that i have not examined your husband and hence can't conclude any specific finding, which would help me in arriving at a diagnosis as the MRI results are just perfect, except for a mild C5-C6 disc compression, which can be easily treated with physiotherapy and few medications.
So lets discuss, after a second opinion.
Regards
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
We went back to the neurologist and he is still sure it is Parkinson. He says because my husband doesn't swing his arm and he has cogwheel rigidity in his wrist it has to be Parkinson. He did not want to do anything about th C5 C6 mild compression but my husband's neck and shoulder pain are getting worse. We go to a Movement Specialist this month for a second opinion.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your advise. We are going back to see the Neurologist this Thur and are going to discuss all of our concerns regarding the Parkinson diagnosis. I am also going to ask the Neurologist to send us to Vanderbilt in Nashville to see a Movement Specialist.
Again thank you....
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Neurology / Neurosurgery Forum

Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease