Muscle Trembling

[Anonymous]

Since baby was born 10 months ago, I've experienced various trembling issues. They have gotten worse. Now, whenever I contract almost any of my muscles (bicep, quad, even neck) and hold them in a contracted position, they tremble like I'm asking them to lift a heavy weight. They also tremble (but not visibly) at rest.

I'm 34 yrs old with no prior medical ailments. I've gone through testing with no cause found. I'm on an anti-depressant for the associated anxiety, but it hasn't helped the underlying issues. I'm kind of having a breakdown at this point.

So...any thoughts? I'm not hopeful but thought I'd try all avenues.

[Anonymous]

What have they tested for OP? Have you seen anyone other than an internist?

[Anonymous]

Have you had your thyroid checked?

Have you seen a neurologist?

http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/sec06/ch091/ch091c.html

[Anonymous]

Sounds like anxiety-I have had this. Lay off the caffeine also.

[Anonymous]

Those are all muscles you use to hold the baby. I would bet it's related to muscle strain. I got awful neck pain when my children were babies -- I think I was in a funny position while feeding or holding them and just didn't realize it.

[Anonymous]

Tremors are a side effect of some anti-depressants. I'm no expert, but I googled it and it came up. I'd go back to the prescribing doctor.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the responses so far. The neurologist tested thyroid and a full blood CBC, had a brain MRI, and did a few nerve tests. This was all before the trembling got severe.

I started Zoloft just last week; the tremors have been getting worse for the past few months, so I don't think it's the drug.

I would love for it just to be a function of taking care of the baby, but the trembling is so intense I fear the worst. Of course, that fear doesn't help

[Anonymous]

Oh my-don't let the fear get you. If you have an email-I am happy to contact you. I went through all the testing and the freaking out and finally realized it was anxiety. I am not dismissing something medical..but if you have had testing and all is clear then anxiety might be the culprit. I finally started therapy and started charting when the trembling would start and it usually was preceded by something stressful. This has been a long process for me but you can get through it. This is not as uncommon as you think. FYI--the holidays are bringing it on full scale for me again..but now I can look at is and say mmmmm could it be that family is about to stay with us and we are in for a rough ride???? Hang in there!!

[Anonymous]

For OP and PP, I got great help for anxiety issues here, it's in Chevy Chase.
http://www.rosscenter.com/

OP, please keep us posted. Sending good wishes your way.

[Anonymous]

Are your muscles also weak? Do you have trouble holding your arms up for long periods, for example to blow dry your hair? Doe sit get worse when it is very cold out? I had the symptoms I listed, along with trembling, on and off for years. A friend finally suggested to me that it could be poor circulation related to anemia. I started being diligent about taking iron supplements, and I have not had the problem in a couple of years.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the thoughts. I do take iron supplement (liquid) on a daily basis, as I am borderline anemic. Unfortunately that's not it either.

I have been working out every day this week and it seems to have helped somewhat (at least the at-rest trembling has diminished). Zoloft may have started to help as well. I am getting myself used to the idea that it may be a condition I have to manage for the long-term, instead of finding short-term fixes. Sucky.