Is Finger Trembling a Side Effect of Central and Peripheral Nervous System Abnormalities? - Internal Medicine

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Is finger tremor a side effect manifestation of "central and peripheral nervous system abnormalities" caused by taking Seroquel?


Hello, Doctor.
I am 21 years old and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis about three years ago.
I have been taking Salazopyrin for approximately 1 year and 10 months (one or two pills a day, occasionally missing doses), but I stopped taking it 1.5 months ago.
I noticed that the package insert for Salazopyrin mentions "abnormalities of the central and peripheral nervous system" as a side effect.

I have observed that for at least the past six months, when I hold my phone with one hand and swipe with my thumb and index finger, my thumb and index finger tremble (about 4-5 times per second) and this continues to be the case.
When I extend both arms forward, all ten fingers exhibit slight tremors, with the second fingers on both hands shaking slightly more.
However, when I let my hands rest naturally and without tension on my thighs, my fingers do not tremble.
I remember that during blood tests, when I clenched my fist, my hand felt weak and my fist would tremble slightly.
I would like to ask: 1.
Is this a manifestation of the "abnormalities of the central and peripheral nervous system" side effect? 2.
If it is not, what would the side effects related to "abnormalities of the central and peripheral nervous system" look like? Thank you for your assistance!

Qiang Qiang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/02/05

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine


Hello, thank you for your question.
Here are my responses:
1.
Is this a manifestation of "central and peripheral nervous system abnormalities" as a side effect? --> If you have an irregular eating pattern, the likelihood of experiencing side effects related to the nervous system is very low.

2.
If not, what would the side effects of "central and peripheral nervous system abnormalities" mentioned in the leaflet look like? --> Headaches and dizziness are more common.
Other very rare symptoms include peripheral numbness, unsteady gait, insomnia, depression, hallucinations, and seizures.

Best regards from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2024/02/05

More Info


Finger trembling can indeed be associated with abnormalities in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Given your medical history of being diagnosed with a movement disorder (likely Parkinson's disease, given the mention of "僵直病者" which translates to "stiffness disease"), it is important to understand the potential implications of your symptoms.

1. Is the trembling a side effect of central and peripheral nervous system abnormalities?
Yes, the trembling you are experiencing could be related to the underlying neurological condition you have. In movement disorders, tremors are a common symptom and can manifest in various forms. The fact that you notice trembling when using your fingers to interact with your phone suggests that this could be a form of action tremor, which is often seen in conditions like Parkinson's disease. The tremors may not be present when your hands are at rest, which is typical for certain types of tremors, including essential tremor and Parkinsonian tremor.

2. If not, what could the side effects of "central and peripheral nervous system abnormalities" be?
The side effects listed in medication inserts, such as "central and peripheral nervous system abnormalities," can encompass a wide range of symptoms. These may include:
- Tremors: As you are experiencing, which can be either resting or action tremors.

- Muscle Weakness: This can manifest as difficulty in gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks.

- Coordination Issues: Difficulty in maintaining balance or performing tasks that require precise movements.

- Numbness or Tingling: This could indicate peripheral nerve involvement, which may not be your primary concern but is worth noting.

- Cognitive Changes: Some patients may experience changes in memory or concentration, which can also be attributed to central nervous system effects.

Given your history of taking medication (Salar, which is likely a reference to a dopamine agonist or similar medication), it is crucial to consider the potential withdrawal effects after stopping the medication. Some patients may experience a rebound effect or worsening of their symptoms after discontinuation, which could contribute to the tremors you are observing.


Recommendations for Management:
- Consult a Neurologist: It is essential to follow up with a neurologist who can assess your symptoms in the context of your medical history and current condition. They may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as an MRI or additional blood tests, to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

- Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help improve coordination and strength in your hands, which may alleviate some of the trembling.

- Occupational Therapy: An occupational therapist can provide strategies and tools to help manage daily activities despite the tremors.

- Medication Review: If your symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life, discussing medication options with your healthcare provider may be beneficial. There are various treatments available for tremors associated with movement disorders.

In conclusion, while finger trembling can be a side effect of central and peripheral nervous system abnormalities, it is essential to have a comprehensive evaluation to determine the exact cause and appropriate management strategies. Your symptoms should be taken seriously, and addressing them with a healthcare professional will help you find the best path forward.

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