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Understanding Parkinson's Disease: Information, Symptoms, and Treatment
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment
Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder that progresses slowly, beginning with a sense of weakness and a slight tremor of the head or hands, then gradually progressing to more generalized symptoms. These can include:
- Slowness of voluntary movements, especially in the initiation of such movements as walking or rolling over in bed.
- Decreased facial expression, monotonous speech, and decreased eye blinking.
- A shuffling gait with poor arm swing and stooped posture.
- Unsteady balance; difficulty rising from a sitting position.
- Continuous "pill-rolling" motion of the thumb and forefinger.
- Abnormal tone or stiffness in the trunk and extremities.
- Swallowing problems in later stages.
Call Your Doctor If:
You suspect Parkinson's disease might be at the root of any of the symptoms above. In the disease's early stages, drugs can be very beneficial.
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment
