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Symptoms

12/08/2006

Question:

What are symptons of Parkinson`s Diseae?

Answer:

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease may experience numerous different symptoms, many of which are non-specific. However, there are 4 cardinal features of Parkinson’s disease that are used to help establish a diagnosis. These include:

  • Bradykinesia – slowness in movements such as decreased dexterity, a change in handwriting that becomes small and less legible, dragging of one foot while walking, or shuffling feet when walking.
  • Rigidity – stiffness when the arm, leg, or neck is moved back and forth.
  • Resting tremor – tremor (involuntary movement from contracting muscles) that is most prominent at rest.
  • Loss of postural reflexes – poor posture and balance that may cause falls, walking, or balance problems.

There are no blood tests or other diagnostic studies that can diagnose Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis is made clinically by the presence of at least two of these cardinal features on examination.

In addition, parkinsonian symptoms can be secondary to certain drugs or metabolic disease, or possibly be associated with a syndrome that shares certain characteristics with Parkinson’s disease. Depending on a person’s history and examination, further evaluation for a secondary cause of parkinsonian symptoms may be necessary. Anyone experiencing parkinsonian symptoms should see his or her primary care physician for an evaluation. Additional information about Parkinson’s disease may be found at the link below.

Related Resources:

Parkinson’s Disease Overview

For more information:

Go to the Parkinson’s Disease health topic.