Internal movements, also known as internal tremors, can affect individuals with Parkinson’s llldisease , multiple sclerosis, or severe tremor. Internal tremors are not dangerous but they can be alarming and interfere with the daily life of a person.
Internal tremors are sensations of shaking which are felt inside the body. They take place without visible movement which causes) ll tremors.
An person can experience internal tremors in the trunk, arms , legs or internal organs.
In this article we look at the causes of internal tremors and their treatment.
Causes
People with Parkinson’s disease ( PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), or essential tremor (ET) may experience internal and external tremors.
The causes of internal tremors are not well known, and there is minimal research under way. Doctors prefer to assume, however, that these tremors derive from the same neurological causes as external tremors.
A 2017-issued study found a correlation between tremors and social anxiety. Some researchers have also indicated that internal tremors may cause too slight physical movement to detect.
Authors of a 2016 study indicated early, irregular signs of movement disorders, including PD, are internal tremors. Other researchers indicated that everyone may experience internal tremors but they’re more pronounced in people with PD, MS, and ET.
Learn more on PD, MS, and ET, the three most common causes of internal tremors.
Parkinson ‘s disease
PD is a neurological disorder which results from the loss of brain cells producing dopamine. Typically it happens in people over the age of 60.
People who have PD may have any of the following symptoms:
- slowness of movement
- external tremors, including visible trembling in the hands, limbs, face, and jaw
- internal tremors
- stiffness of the arms, legs, and trunk
- poor coordination and balance
These symptoms can develop rapidly or slowly, and can complicate everyday activities. Tremors are not often the most noticeable symptom of PD but there are tremors in many people with the disease.
An individual can initially only experience a tremor in a single limb. The tremor can spread to both sides of the body as the condition progresses. Stress and strong emotions can trigger tremors.
Treatments for PD
PD can not be cured. It is a chronic condition which develops over time. There are also a variety of recovery choices.
A doctor can prescribe a combination of levodopa and carbidopa to replenish the supply of dopamine within the brain. This will assist in the treatment of advanced PD.
Other choices relating to medications include bromocriptine, pramipexole, and ropinirole.
For people who do not respond to the drug, a doctor may suggest surgery. The primary type is Deep Brain Stimulus (DBS).
A surgeon inserts electrodes in a person’s brain during the process of the operation. These activate targeted areas to soothe certain PD symptoms. DBS can also minimize the need for some medications and this can be particularly helpful for people with adverse side effects.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
MS is a chronic disorder which affects the central nervous system.
Many experts believe that in a person with MS, the immune system attacks and damages the body ‘s nerves.
This can influence many parts of the body, and can have an important effect on the quality of life of an individual.
MS symptoms usually develop between age 20 and age 40. Might include:
- blurred or double vision
- color blindness
- blindness in one eye
- muscle weakness
- poor coordination and balance
- a sensation of numbness or pins and needles
- pain
- speech difficulties
- internal and external tremors
- dizziness
Around half of the people with MS also experience difficulty with:
- memory
- attention
- concentration
- judgment
A person may also experience tremor.
Treatment of MS
Currently there is no remedy for MS, and its severity varies between individuals.
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs)
In the past, doctors found MS untreatable but the outlook is changing with new medications and treatment choices.
Current American Academy of Neurology (AAN) guidelines encourage physicians to begin administering a type of drug known as disease-modifying therapy (DMT) as soon as possible after a diagnosis.
These drugs tend to decrease the number of flares a person experiences in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) with early use, and they may delay the disease progression.
Examples include:
- injectable interferon beta-1a and 1-b, such as Avonex and Extavia
- injectable glatiramer acetate, for example, Copaxone and Glatopa
- oral medications, such as siponimod (Mayzent) and fingolimod (Gilenya)
- infusions, including alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) and ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)
Mitoxantrone is an older DMT that can have significant adverse reactions. A doctor will prescribe this only if a person has severe symptoms, and if the potential benefits outweigh the individual’s risks.
Anyone who has been using mitoxantrone for some time should ask their doctor about newer and more powerful medications.
Flares and symptoms
A person will take a DMT at regular intervals, whether or not they experience a relapse.
When flares occur, a doctor may prescribe:
- steroid injections to reduce inflammation and help manage severe symptoms
- specific medications to help with specific symptoms, such as weakness and muscle spasms
A doctor may prescribe muscle relaxers or tranquilizers for people with sustained muscle stiffness and spasticity.
Treatment for tremor
Drugs to help relieve tremor include:
- isoniazid, for example, Laniazid or Nydrazid
- clonazepam, for instance, Klonopin, Rivotril or Syn-Clonazepam
Non-drug therapies
It can also aid in exercise, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. A physician may advise on an exercise plan that fits the needs of a person.
They can also advise on aid aids, such as a walking cane, that may help.
MS symptoms and development differ greatly among individuals. Each person with their doctor will draw up a treatment plan to meet their needs.
Essential tremor
ET is the most prevalent form of anomalous tremor.
Often the disorder is associated with some of the cerebellum having mild degeneration. This is the part of the brain that gets the knowledge needed to control the quality of the movements of an individual.
The cerebellum gets this input from other parts of the brain, the spinal cord and the sensory systems of the body.
People with ET can experience involuntary, rhythmic movements, most frequently a tremor in the hand. Also, the tremor can affect the head, tongue, limbs, trunk and ability to talk.
Symptoms can occur at any age but are usually noticeable in people over 40 years of age. ET Causes can include:
- stress and anxiety
- heightened emotions
- fever
- feeling physically tired
- low blood sugar
The tremor usually occurs on both sides of the body but in the dominant hand it is always more apparent.
Treatment of ET
Although there is no cure for ET, medicines will help to reduce the symptoms. This may involve anticonvulsants or beta-blockers.
Some people who have ET find physical , occupational, and DBS therapy beneficial. Plans for treatment often include reducing stimuli including caffeine and other stimulants.
Treatment
There are no diagnostic tests currently available on internal tremors. Anyone who feels a tingling feeling, trembling, muscle weakness or impaired coordination should talk to a doctor, however.
Doctors may prescribe therapies similar to those for other movement or neurological conditions for individuals with internal tremors.
However, the severity of internal tremors can vary from person to person and some may feel there is no need for treatment.
If the internal tremors are caused by PD, MS, or ET, doctors may try to treat the underlying condition.
Treatments for internal tremors can include:
- reducing anxiety and stress
- avoiding dietary stimulants, such as caffeine
- avoiding intense exercise and heat
Doctors may prescribe DBS or medicines similar to those for PD, MS, and ET for some people.
Outlook
Although there are no dangerous internal tremors, they may be disconcerting and can interfere with everyday activities.
The most common causes of internal tremors include PD, MS, and ET. For certain people tremor therapies for these neurological disorders may be identical to therapies.
And it can help to prevent recognized stimuli such as stress or stimulants.
