Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease symptoms vary from person to person, and they also change over time. While certain symptoms may occur in an early stage of the disease for one patient, the same symptoms may not occur until a later stage, or never occur, for another patient.

Patients may begin experiencing Parkinson’s disease symptoms at any age, but they typically appear when patients are between the ages of 50 and 60. Due to their slow development, symptoms often go unnoticed initially, and they can include the following:

• A slowness in voluntary movement that causes difficulty initiating and completing movement
• Tremors in the hands, fingers, forearms, feet, mouth, and chin
• Rigidity and muscle pain
• Poor balance, an unsteady walk and frequent falls
• Changes in facial expression, as well as voice and speech
• Loss of fine motor skills, such as writing or eating

Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease can be difficult, as there is no blood or lab test available to diagnose the disease, and symptoms may mirror other disorders. 

Some imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to rule out disorders that cause similar symptoms. A physician may also observe the patient over time to look for characteristic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This observation will include the physician taking a complete medical history of the patient, as well as rigorous physical examinations.

While the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease can be difficult, it is essential to developing an appropriate treatment plan, as beginning with the best possible treatment early on can lead to improved results in the future. Since the doctor is responsible for the diagnosis, you should be sure to be diagnosed by a physician who is experienced in evaluating patients for Parkinson’s disease.