This time we talk about Parkinson's Disease Symptoms. Get educated on the 10 most commonly seen indicators of Parkinson's Disease so that you can identify early and seek medical attention right away.
Parkinson's Disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Early diagnosis can make a huge difference in helping people manage the symptoms and slow down its progression. Knowing the 10 most common symptoms of Parkinson's Disease can help you identify if other medical conditions are present, or if it’s time to seek medical attention.
Here are 10 Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
- Tremors or shaking in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face
- Slow movement (bradykinesia)
- Stiffness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk
- Poor balance and coordination
- Difficulty with fine motor skills (such as buttoning clothes or writing)
- Loss of automatic movements (such as blinking or smiling)
- A stooped posture or a tendency to lean forward
- Soft or slurred speech
- Mask-like facial expression
- Depression, anxiety, and other emotional changes
It is important to note that symptoms may vary from person to person and may progress differently over time.
It is also important to mention that these symptoms might be caused by other conditions, and it's important to consult with a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Let's try to detail again:
Trembling in Hands, Arms, Legs, and Jaw.
One of the most common signs of Parkinson's Disease is trembling in the hands, arms, legs, and jaw. It may be slight or pronounced and can appear while resting or during activity. While it may be mistaken for an age-related tremor, the type associated with Parkinson's can get worse when you move your affected limbs or are under emotional stress.
Trembling more pronounced on one side of the body than the other is another sign that tremor may be associated with Parkinson's Disease. The trembling and shaking tend to be intermittent and can worsen over time, making it increasingly difficult to perform basic tasks. It's important for anyone exhibiting these symptoms to speak with a medical professional about them in order to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Slowed Movement (Bradykinesia). Bradykinesia is a common symptom of Parkinson's Disease, which includes a slowing down or difficulty getting your body to move. Other associated symptoms include shuffling gait—when feet seem to drag when you walk—or rigidity in the limbs or trunk muscles that cause stiffness, disability, and even pain. All of these can make routine activities difficult to do.
It’s also possible to experience tremors, which are involuntary movements of the hands, arms, legs, and head or face. Tremors can interfere with daily activities like speaking or writing, as well as eating. Lastly, postural instability may occur when it becomes difficult to maintain balance while standing or walking—this can lead to falls and further mobility issues. All of these symptoms stem from a depletion of dopamine in the brain caused by Parkinson's disease.
Stiff and Rigid Muscles.
Stiff muscles, also known as rigidity, are caused by a tightening of your muscles which can be painful and cause difficulty moving. This symptom is often present in all parts of the body, including the arms and legs. Muscles might become so stiff that it’s difficult to move them in a normal job or direction. Difficulty swallowing or speaking, an expressionless face, or an unblinking stare can be signs of this symptom.
To cope with this symptom of Parkinson’s, stretching and strengthening can help. Exercise can help to improve a person's flexibility, posture, balance and overall strength in those areas. It is best to consult with aPhysical Therapist to learn the correct gentle range-of-motion exercises that will benefit your specific muscles. As well as regular exercise, massage therapy can be beneficial in improving the stiffness of your muscles by helping them move through painful areas more easily.
Loss of Automatic Movements
Automatic movements, such as smiling or blinking, will be lost in those with Parkinson's Disease. People might sit without taking notice of items around them and they may neglect activities they normally perform without thinking, like hygiene or nutrition. This can occur before most other symptoms of Parkinson’s show up which is why it’s important to recognize the signs early on.
Loss of these automatic movements can make it hard for those with Parkinson’s to connect with those around them since their body language and responses are impaired. Even though it is often an early symptom, it is not necessarily the first risk factor that should be monitored but part of a larger effort to recognize other symptoms that may indicate Parkinsons Disease. These include tremors, stiffness, loss of smell and changes in facial expression or movement. By paying attention to all of these signs, people can identify if they need to talk to their doctor about further examination.
Poor Balance and Coordination. A person with Parkinson’s may report feeling dizzy and also experience a decrease in balance and coordination. This can lead to an increase in falls, especially when combinations of other symptoms such as changes in posture make it difficult for them to catch themselves. People with poor balance and coordination may have difficulty walking or talking, or exhibit jerky or freezing movements.
Poor balance and coordination can affect daily activities such as getting out of bed, picking up objects from the ground, or standing from a seated position. If a person has poor coordination they may find it difficult to plan coordinated movements, making them appear clumsy or unstable. A Parkinson’s patient with poor balance and coordination may need additional assistance when ambulating, using assistive devices like walkers to maintain their safety.
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