What are the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
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Parkinson's disease is a condition that causes damage to the brain's nerve cells, affecting movement and coordination. The main symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Other symptoms may include cognitive and emotional changes, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.
The main symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors (trembling or shaking) in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or face; stiffness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia (slowness of movement); and postural instability (balance problems). Other common symptoms may include a shuffling gait, reduced facial expression, soft or slurred speech, and difficulties with coordination and fine motor skills. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Here are the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease:
- Tremors: Involuntary shaking or trembling, usually starting in the hands, fingers, thumbs, or chin. Tremors often occur when the affected body part is at rest and may lessen or disappear during voluntary movement.
- Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement and difficulty initiating and executing voluntary movements. It can result in reduced facial expressions, small or cramped handwriting (micrographia), decreased arm swing while walking, and difficulty with fine motor tasks.
- Rigidity: Stiffness and resistance to limb movement, leading to muscle aches and limited range of motion. The rigidity may affect both limbs on one side of the body (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral).
- Postural instability: Impaired balance and coordination, making individuals prone to falls. This symptom usually appears in the later stages of the disease.
- Impaired gait: Altered walking pattern characterized by shuffling steps, reduced arm swinging, and difficulty with initiating or changing direction. It may also include freezing episodes, where the person feels "stuck" and unable to start or continue walking.
- Speech and swallowing difficulties: Parkinson's disease can cause soft speech, slurred or monotone voice, and problems with swallowing (dysphagia). This can lead to drooling or choking while eating or drinking.
- Non-motor symptoms: Parkinson's disease can also manifest with various non-motor symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, constipation, loss of sense of smell (anosmia), cognitive changes, and autonomic dysfunction (e.g. orthostatic hypotension).
It's important to note that the presentation and progression of symptoms can vary among individuals with Parkinson's disease. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.