Unexplained Body Tremors: Neurological Symptoms - Neurology

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The body trembles as if being electrocuted?


Doctor, every night when I lie down to sleep, my body feels like it's trembling as if being electrocuted, which wakes me up.
During the day, I also feel very uncomfortable, as if I'm about to die, and I can't rest or sleep properly.
Since that day, May 17th, when I returned home feeling alternately hot and cold, I've experienced headaches, hand tremors, and numbness in my feet.
Since then, my body has been shaking nonstop.
My extremities don't tremble, but today is the 30th, and this condition has persisted for 18 days without improvement.
What could be the problem? Thank you, doctor!

Liu Chen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/30

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology


Hello, Liu Chen! It is recommended to visit the neurology outpatient clinic for an examination.

Reply Date: 2021/05/30

More Info


The symptoms you are describing—unexplained body tremors, sensations of electric shocks, and feelings of discomfort—can be quite distressing and may indicate underlying neurological issues. Given the complexity of your symptoms and the duration of your condition, it is essential to consider a range of potential causes and to approach this systematically.

Firstly, the tremors you experience could be classified as either resting tremors or action tremors. Resting tremors occur when the muscles are relaxed, while action tremors happen during movement. The fact that you feel these tremors both at night while lying still and during the day suggests that they may not be purely related to muscle activity. This could point towards a neurological condition, such as essential tremor or even Parkinson's disease, although the latter typically presents with additional symptoms like bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and rigidity.

Another possibility is that your symptoms could be related to anxiety or stress. Anxiety can manifest physically in various ways, including tremors, muscle tension, and a sense of discomfort or restlessness. If you have been under significant stress or have experienced anxiety recently, this could contribute to the sensations you are feeling.
Additionally, the sudden onset of symptoms after feeling cold and hot, along with headaches and numbness in your hands and feet, raises the possibility of a neurological event, such as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or even multiple sclerosis (MS). MS can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including tremors, numbness, and sensory disturbances. However, these conditions would typically require further investigation through imaging studies like MRI or CT scans, as well as blood tests to rule out other causes.

It is also worth considering metabolic or endocrine issues. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism can lead to tremors and feelings of anxiety or discomfort. Similarly, electrolyte imbalances, particularly involving calcium, potassium, or magnesium, can cause muscle twitching and tremors.

Given that your symptoms have persisted for 18 days without improvement, it is crucial to seek a thorough evaluation from a neurologist. They may recommend a series of diagnostic tests, including blood tests, imaging studies, and possibly an electromyography (EMG) to assess the electrical activity of your muscles and nerves.
In the meantime, keeping a symptom diary may help you track any patterns or triggers associated with your tremors. Note when they occur, their intensity, and any other accompanying symptoms. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in diagnosing your condition.

In summary, while your symptoms are concerning and warrant further investigation, they could stem from a variety of causes ranging from neurological disorders to anxiety or metabolic issues. A comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional is essential to determine the underlying cause and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Please ensure you communicate all your symptoms clearly to your healthcare provider, as this will aid in their assessment and help you find relief from your discomfort.

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