Parkinson’s PD switched to Functional Tremor FND

[Rootbr]

I’m a 49 year old man and 1 year ago, in 2018, I noticed a slight dominant-side resting tremor, arm and leg. It consistently got worse over 4 months, until I was diagnosed with Parkinson's by a movement specialist neurologist.

Started carbi/levadopa to no effect. (Also tried a dozen different supplements)

6 months after first PD diagnosis, neurologist switched(!) the diagnosis to FND, Functional Neurological Disorder, or more specifically Functional Tremor (sometimes also known as psychogenic tremor or conversion disorder).

The neurologist concluded the tremor was too strong, worsened too quickly, was too variable, was slightly distractable, and I'm too young for it to be consistent with PD. Also, I hadn’t responded to dopamine treatment. He then told me it was FND, referred me to a website, neurosymptoms.org, and that was about it!

I'm happy (if) it's not PD, but my tremor is stronger than ever. It varies but now is mostl continuously moderate throughout he day (stronger with stress/attentiveness) resting and increasingly active, without any definitive treatment prospects.

Anyone else with a similar experience?

(I previously posted this to Parkinson’s Movement without much response)

Thanks!

[dbar126]

Hi Rootbr,

I have the same issue: tremor (new for me) on my dominant side that worsens with stress and at rest. It has become slightly worse over the past week since it started. I am currently in the hospital after a fall a week and a 1/2 ago. The doctors are trying to figure out why I have this tremor and have me doing some intense physical and occupational therapy. I found your post tobe quite helpful especially at this time.

[Regaining-control]

I had issues with hand tremors and the one thing that helped ease the tremor was s small bouncy ball that I would move around in my hand. By doing this it distracts the brain hopefully long enough to ease the tremors

For me it works and has been my saving grace when I had a full month of tremors. I take it with me everywhere so when stressed I will move in hand to calm other symptoms too. A cheap thing worth a try if it helps