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Health Conditions
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Parkinson's Disease
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear when the amount of dopamine in the brain is decreased. They often appear gradually, yet with increasing severity. Because the initial symptoms are similar to those of other neurological conditions, diagnosis can be difficult.
Some individuals have few symptoms, whereas others suffer more severe, debilitating symptoms. Common symptoms include the following:
- Resting tremor on one side of the body
- Stiffness of the limbs (often referred to as rigidity)
- Generalized slowing of movements (known as bradykinesia) and gait
- Gait or balance problems
- Small, overcrowded handwriting (called micrographia)
- Lack of arm swing on the affected side of the body
- Less frequent blinking and swallowing
- Increased dandruff
- Increased oily skin
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Decreased facial expression
- Episodes of feeling "stuck in place" when initiating a step (called freezing)
- Lowered voice volume
- Foot dragging on the affected side
- Changes in posture
- Feeling more tired
- Weight loss
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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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What are the symptoms?
