Hi, I'm a 24 yr old female recently diagnosed with ET. Since the neurologist came up with the diagnosis within 5 min without really taking a complete history or a real neuro exam (other than the touching the nose with the finger and walk in a straight line), I just wanted to check if some of the other symptoms I've been experiencing could indicate something else before I try to convince my GP to send me to another specialist. The symptoms started about 8 yrs ago with twitching of the thumb in my right (dominant) hand. Over the years it has progressed into tremors most noticeable in both hands. They are not rest tremors and get worse with purposeful movement (like physical activity). The hand tremors are always there but recently I've started to experience them in both of my legs as well when standing. There are times when random muscles start twitching for a few days and then stop. There is some ocassional numbness, tingling and burning in the extremeties.
The other symptoms include heart palpitations and just general discomfort (sometimes tightness) in the left side of the chest. My arms get sore pretty easily, which is getting more annoying than the tremors. Within 5min of doing any sustained activity, my arms, particularly the biceps get weak to the point of me having to stop whatever I am doing or supporting my arms with something. A few months ago, just moving a few (very light) boxes caused my upper arms to get sore to the point where I couldn't more them to brush my teeth without holding them up from below the elbow (this is a symptom I haven't heard/read any one else talk about)
A few years ago I lost significant amount of weight for no reason within a span of a couple of weeks (that I haven't gained back, currently around 105 pounds, 5'4"). I'm otherwise in good health, haven't had any other health problems, don't smoke or drink, not taking any medications and minimal caffeine intake and no family history of anything similar to this. Bloodwork for thyroid function, serum calcium, copper (had jaundice right before the onset of the symptoms) all came out negative. The symptoms aren't that noticeable but my work requires fine motor control so its becoming a concern. I'm hoping the non-tremor symptoms point to something else that can be fixed. Can anything else be causing all of these symptoms?
Thanks!