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Parkinson's Symptoms Explained

Are you uncertain about what symptoms could mean that you or someone you love has Parkinson's disease? Do you know some of the symptoms but would like to know all of the common symptoms of Parkinson's disease? In this article you will find a pretty comprehensive list of the symptoms most commonly associated with Parkinson's disease.

One thing that you should know before reading the symptoms is that not everyone with Parkinson's disease will develop all of the symptoms that are associated with the disease. Some people experience one primary symptom and never develop other common symptoms. Another thing that may differ from one person with Parkinson's to another is the fact that for some, the disease progresses rather quickly and for others the disease moves along more slowly. The symptoms may start out mild and progress slowly or they may start out in full swing and progress rapidly.

Primary Symptoms:

The following are some of the primary symptoms of Parkinson's disease. These are the symptoms most commonly seen by doctors when diagnosing the disease.

Tremor - Tremors normally appear in the early stages of Parkinson's. Approximately 70% of Parkinson's disease patients experience tremors. They may start out as slight tremors in the hand or foot on just one side of the body. It is not as common for tremors of the face or jaw as it is for the hand or foot. The tremor is sometimes referred to as a "resting tremor" because when the tremor is associated with Parkinson's it appears when the person is at rest. In other words, when the body part is not in motion, it is at rest. As the disease progresses the individual will notice that instead of being isolated to just one side of the body, now the tremors are appearing on both sides of the body. The tremors may appear as a "beating", or as an "oscillating movement". Although the tremors may now be on both sides of the body, the side that the tremors first appeared on will have tremors that are more pronounced and more apparent.

Rigidity - Some individuals refer to rigidity as, "increased muscle tone". Rigidity looks like stiffness or muscles that are inflexible. Usually your muscles stretch when you move, and then the muscles relax when the body part is at rest. When an individual has rigidity, the muscle tone of the body part is always stiff and does not relax when the body part is at rest. This stiffness may result in a decrease in the range of motion that the affected body part is able to perform. If a person has rigidity, he or she may not be able to swing his or her arms when walking because the arm muscles are too stiff. The person may experience cramping and pain in the affected body part.

Bradykinesia - Also known as s"low movements", bradykinesia usually accompanies incomplete movement, or difficulty initiating a movement or sudden stopping of an ongoing movement. Those who have bradykinesia may appear to shuffle while they walk (festination).

The symptoms bradykinesia and rigidity may occur in the facial muscles, which will then reduce the individual's range of facial expressions so that the person look's as if they have a "mask-like" appearance.

Postural instability - Also known as "impaired balance and coordination", postural instability is often experienced when standing or when there is a need for balance or coordination of movement. The person has an increased risk of falling when the symptom, postural instability combines with bradykinesia. It will be difficult for an individual with postural instability or impaired balance and coordination to make turns, or abrupt movements. They may also experience something called, "freezing", which is when the person will feel like they are s"tuck to the ground" and unable to initiate movement. This symptom of slowness and incompleteness of movement can also affect the ability to speak or swallow.

Secondary Symptoms:

Secondary symptoms are those that can be non-motor, such as depression, or are qualities of speech. These symptoms are not as easy to detect unless you look carefully or pay special attention.

These are the secondary symptoms of Parkinson's disease:

Changes in speech patterns

Loss of facial expressions

Small and cramped handwriting

Swallowing becomes difficult

Drooling

Pain

Confusion

Disturbances in sleep pattern

Constipation

Problems with skin

Depression

Anxiety and or fear

Slow thinking or memory difficulties

Sexual dysfunction

Difficulty with urination

Aches

Fatigue

Loss of energy

Compulsive behavior