Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
It’s been a few years since I have been on here and fortunately I’ve been doing great. I am having some voice issues and wonder if anyone can help. I noticed about a year ago my voice would shake on occasion making me sound nervous. It happens much more frequently now.
Caffeine definitely makes it worse. I am on thyroid medicine and my levels seem to be fine. I tried stopping my med for a few days to see if that helped as well.
I had an appt with an ENT who did scope exams which showed the tremor. He referred me to a neurologist with the concern of it being MS.
I saw the neurologist and he feels it’s essential tremor and had me try primodone. I really am not fond of taking an anti seizure med long term though. He is sched an MRI as a precaution.
Any thoughts or personal experiences?
Posts: 1747 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
My husband has essential tremor. He takes primidone and propranolol. We don't see any issue with taking these meds long term. Hubby has been taking them probably 10 or more years.
Caffeine definitely makes it worse, as does stress or being tired. So, it doesn't pay to drink any caffeine.
Alcohol before you go out to speak will help it.
My husband has mostly hand tremor, so he can't eat or drink if he doesn't take these meds.
Now, in the last year, he has been diagnosed with Parkinsons. This is after hand tremor for 20 years. Doc says that his case will be mild and always just hand tremor since he has never experienced muscle tightness.
My husband has the shaking voice sometimes and some balance issues also.
I really would not worry about the meds. Just take the lowest dose that controls your symptoms to a satisfactory degree.
We have played around with primidone levels quite a bit. We now see a movement disorder neurologist, and we can see the greater expertise of this doc compared to a general neurologist. Some say this guy is the best in the east. I think he is outstanding. He is definitely in demand.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
Thanks for the helpful info. I think my concern was the long term effect on the brain.
Can you PM me the doctor info. Thanks
Posts: 1747 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- As TF mentions, propranolol, that is one that some take VERY LOSE dose to offset stage fright. If you consider either / both of the RX, you might start with propranolol first at tiny, tiny dose as that might be enough.
Still, I would explore magnesium first for its anti-spasm help. Check out your other minerals to see if all are in balance.
Then there are some key herbals as well under guidance of a naturopathic physician. There are many good anti-spasm herbs that help in various other ways, too.
Chanca Piedra (Stonebreaker) and Skullcap are just two of those.
One concern with may Rx is the way they can stress the liver / kidneys and also on brain function and mood for anything that "relaxes" muscles or depresses nerve firings, mood can dip to depression.
Visceral Manipulation / Neural Manipulation / New Manual Articular Approach -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
I sent you the doctor's name. If you are able to get in with him, he will tell you whether it is essential tremor, Parkinsons, or something else (like the MS that has been suggested to you).
The first appointment was over 3 hours as he evaluated my husband to determine if it was essential tremor or Parkinsons.
You can't find a nicer doctor, and he will tell you to email him periodically so he knows what is going on with you.
He then writes back and tells you what to do, how to change your treatment, etc. based on your input.
You only see him once every 4 months or so.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- So good to know that TF has that name to share with you. Want great source. Sounds like you would be in good hands. Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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