Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological condition affecting the nervous system and the body’s nerve-controlled regions. The onset of symptoms is gradual. A tremor in one hand that is hardly perceptible may be the initial symptom.
Although tremors are prevalent, the disease can also make you stiff or move more slowly.
You may have little to no expression on your face in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. As you walk, your arms might not swing freely. You can start to speak more slowly or slurred. As your Parkinson’s disease worsens over time, so do its symptoms.
While there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, taking medication may greatly lessen your symptoms. Your doctor may occasionally recommend surgery to treat your symptoms by regulating certain brain regions.
Signs and symptoms
Each person may experience Parkinson’s disease symptoms differently. Early symptoms could not be seen or be moderate. Even if symptoms start to affect the limbs on both sides, they typically start on one side of the body and tend to stay worse there.
Among the signs of Parkinson’s are:
Shiver: Tremors, or rhythmic shaking, typically start in a limb, most frequently the hand or fingers. You might give your thumb and forefinger a quick rub. We call this tremor a pill-rolling tremor. When your hand is at rest, it could shake. While working on chores, you might experience less shaking.
Slow motion: Parkinson’s disease may cause movement impairments over time, making even routine tasks more challenging and time-consuming. When you walk, your steps can get shorter. It could be challenging to get out of a chair… When you attempt to walk, your feet could drag or shuffle.
Stiff muscles: You can have muscle stiffness anywhere in your body. Your range of motion may be restricted and unpleasant due to the stiff muscles.
Faulty balance and posture: You might start to slouch. Or Parkinson’s disease may cause you to stumble or lose your equilibrium.
Loss of movement that comes naturally: Your capacity to make involuntary gestures, such as smiling, blinking, or waving your arms while walking, may have diminished.
Speech varies: You can slur your words, speak slowly or rapidly, or hesitate to say anything. Your speech might not contain the typical speech patterns; instead, it might be more monotonous.
Composing modifications: Writing could get challenging and your writing could look cramped.
When to visit a physician
If you have any of the symptoms linked to Parkinson’s disease, consult a medical expert so that your illness may be properly diagnosed and other possible causes of your symptoms can be ruled out.
