Uncontrollable Body Shaking: Causes and Solutions

The body may occasionally experience involuntary muscle spasms or twitching?

Hello Doctor: I would like to ask on behalf of my father! My father has diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension, and he also suffers from ischemia.
He experiences severe shaking every day, not just mild tremors! It resembles the intense shaking that occurs during a fright in sleep.
He often shakes violently, accompanied by discomfort.
He has visited a large hospital, but no cause has been identified.
We have noticed that his shaking worsens after consuming legume foods.
We would like to understand why this happens and which specialty would be best to consult for further evaluation.

Fen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/09/20

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
Fen,
You mentioned that your father is experiencing "intense shaking accompanied by discomfort," which may warrant consideration of structural issues in the brain, commonly seen after cerebrovascular diseases.
Tremors can often be attributed to essential tremor, where the exact cause of the shaking cannot be determined; it may be due to a specific constitution or hereditary tremors.
Typically, individuals experience more shaking when holding objects, while others may tremble when writing or performing specific actions.

There is a concern regarding pathological tremors, which arise from dysfunction in the nervous system, such as in Parkinson's disease, lesions in the midbrain, cerebellum, or basal ganglia, or metabolic abnormalities (like hypoglycemia or hyperthyroidism).
These types of tremors tend to be more persistent.

I recommend consulting a neurologist specializing in movement disorders for further evaluation and management.
Thank you for your inquiry, and I welcome further discussion.
Wishing you and your father good health and peace.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Jiang, Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2023/09/20

More Info

Understanding uncontrollable body shaking, especially in the context of your father's existing health conditions, requires a multifaceted approach. Given that your father has diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, and ischemia, these factors can significantly influence his overall health and may contribute to the shaking episodes he experiences.

Possible Causes of Uncontrollable Shaking:
1. Neurological Issues: Conditions such as essential tremor or Parkinson's disease can cause uncontrollable shaking. However, these conditions are often accompanied by other symptoms, which may not be present in your father's case.

2. Metabolic Factors: Diabetes can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause shaking, sweating, and anxiety. If your father’s blood sugar levels are not well-controlled, this could be a contributing factor.

3. Electrolyte Imbalance: Kidney disease can lead to imbalances in electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, and calcium. These imbalances can cause muscle twitching or shaking.
4. Medication Side Effects: If your father is on medications for his diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease, side effects could include tremors or shaking. It's essential to review his medications with a healthcare provider.

5. Dietary Triggers: You mentioned that consuming legumes exacerbates the shaking. This could be due to a food intolerance or an allergic reaction. Some legumes can also affect blood sugar levels, which might contribute to the shaking.

6. Anxiety and Stress: Psychological factors can also lead to physical symptoms like shaking. If your father is experiencing stress related to his health conditions, this could manifest as uncontrollable shaking.

Recommended Steps for Evaluation:
1. Consult a Neurologist: Given the nature of the shaking, it would be prudent to consult a neurologist. They can perform a thorough neurological examination and may recommend tests such as an MRI or CT scan to rule out any structural issues.

2. Endocrinologist Consultation: Since your father has diabetes, an endocrinologist can help assess his blood sugar management and check for any metabolic issues that could be contributing to the shaking.

3. Nephrologist Review: Given his kidney disease, a nephrologist can evaluate his kidney function and check for any electrolyte imbalances that could be causing the symptoms.

4. Dietary Assessment: A consultation with a dietitian may help identify any dietary triggers and ensure that his diet is balanced, especially considering his diabetes and kidney disease.

5. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping a detailed log of his blood sugar levels, dietary intake, and episodes of shaking can provide valuable information for healthcare providers.

6. Medication Review: A comprehensive review of all medications by a pharmacist or physician can help identify any potential side effects or interactions that may be contributing to the shaking.

Conclusion:
Uncontrollable body shaking can stem from various underlying causes, particularly in individuals with complex health issues like your father. A multidisciplinary approach involving specialists in neurology, endocrinology, and nephrology, along with dietary considerations, will be essential in diagnosing and managing his symptoms effectively. It’s crucial to address these symptoms promptly, as they can significantly impact his quality of life. Encourage your father to seek medical attention and ensure that all his healthcare providers are aware of his full medical history and current symptoms.

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