Hi Sara,

Welcome to NeuroTalk!

You are embarking on a journey which has no real road map as each person's journey is different. Please correct me if I am mistaken in any of this but I've found you can never have too much information.

I would suggest you write out a thorough list of physical symptoms you've experienced which have lasted more than 72 hours and identify them in chronological order going back 5 years, if possible. Include any similar situations involving family members including grandparents.

Review all of this info with your Primary Care Physician (PCP), if you have one, and receive a complete physical exam including UA and all blood labs possible including vitamin deficiencies and heavy metals. Review the results in detail until YOU understand them and get a referral to a good neurologist in your area.

When visiting the neurologist, insure all of your PCP records have already been faxed to him prior to the visit. Have a written list of all symptoms by date and severity, 1-10 with 10 worst, and your questions. Have your significant other or trusted friend/family member go into the neuro exam with you. Two is always better than one to make sure everyone understands what's said. Make notes on the visit when you get home.

That is only the beginning. YOU have to become your own best health advocate and you want to coordinate all specialist visits and copies of their reports for test results and notes back to your PCP (Primary Care Physician). Do your own research on the internet at medically qualified sites of authority.

Having shared all of this, I would gently like to share with you we are not medical doctors and in no way in any position to "diagnose" your symptoms. All we can do is listen and support you through the process, share our experiences and acquired knowledge, and point you in possible directs to look for answers.

Your symptoms are pretty animated by your description, involuntary in nature, not typical familiar or intention tremors of the hands. Possible areas to look to compare symptoms may include Dyskenesia, Dystonia, Seizure, Multiple Sclerosis, Degenerative Neurological Disease, and possibly Spinocerebellar Ataxia/Atrophy. Family history of anything like this is paramount.

Sorry for the length but this is a good start for you. No one is going to do this for you so take personal responsibility for your own health immediately. Know that you are NOT alone and we are here to support you in any way possible. No question is stupid except the one question you don't ask. I hope this post has been of value and benefit to you. Keep us informed.