Essential tremor vs Parkinsons?

Posted by kjaffee @kjaffee, Dec 29, 2023

Over the last several years I have developed jaw tremors, my hand tremors have worsened. My left shoulder shakes and I stutter with the jaw tremor. I am exhausted. Balance is not good. Having my annual Medicare exam after falling twice. What questions should I ask my primary doctor?

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purpleturtle | @purpleturtle | Dec 30, 2023

I was diagnosed with essential tremors in my hands, occasionally my mouth twitched and eye twitch.
My neurologist sent me to a motion specialist after she did an mri to rule out tumors, strokes or seizures. The motion doctor sent me for a DaTscan to rule out Parkinson. Thankfully I do not have it. He did not think I had essential tremors because of how it presented itself with my symptoms.
He tried me on 2 different anti seizure medications. O
I was allergic yo Propanadol and had to stop taking it. He put me on Primidone which helped some. He also did botox injections in my worse hand which helped.
I also have balance problems and had 2 strokes, seizures and brain tumor surgery in 2019. I continue to see my neurologist also for routine brain scans. I have had physical therapy and occupational therapy which helped.