Cardinal Symptoms
Symptoms of Parkinson’s are different in everyone. They can vary within each person from day-to-day, hour-to-hour, even minute-to-minute. The main physical, motor-symptoms are:
1. Tremor
Can affect the hands and feet. The tremor is most marked at rest, and actually improves when performing a task. Another condition known as Essential Tremor (ET) is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s as it too causes a tremor, but one which is absent at rest and most marked when performing a task.
I only have a tremor when I am nervous and fortunately I have a very mild version of Parkinson’s. I can do a lot of things myself with writing being the most difficult, but with a computer it is easier. I am single and managing well.
Louise
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
2. Muscular rigidity
People may experience problems turning round, getting out of a chair, rolling over in bed, or making fine finger movements. Posture may become stooped, and it may be difficult to make facial expressions.
3. Bradykinesia
This symptom makes initiating movements very challenging, causing difficulty with fine motor tasks such as buttoning a blouse or shirt, tying shoelaces, or cutting food. Handwriting also becomes slower and smaller.
I do not smile very easily, my face is stiff and without expression. This can cause misunderstanding when my grandchildren show me their latest book or picture; they cannot see that I am smiling inside. I am stiff more on my right side from my head to foot. This is just one of the many different problems I have with Parkinson’s less common than the shaking and trembling. The stiffness and rigidity, inability to step sideways, trouble getting into and out of a low chair are constant difficulties these days.
Gary
London, UK
4. Balance
Balance and posture can deteriorate as Parkinson’s progresses, resulting in problems with walking, turning around, rolling over in bed and transfers, such as getting in and out of chair. Postural imbalance is therefore sometimes quoted as the fourth main symptom.
Other symptoms
Communication difficulties are also common. Speech, facial expressions, body language and handwriting are affected in many people. Facial expression and body language are important communication tools as they reveal emotions and help when communicating with others. Because facial expression can become slow and limited and body language considerably diminished, people with Parkinson’s can be misunderstood. Some say they can’t show on the outside what they feel on the inside.
Other symptoms include sleep disturbances, depression and anxiety, pain and fatigue. Swallowing and memory problems may also occur in the later stages.
Today my diagnosis is moderate to severe with many freezing incidents, poor gait and extremely poor balance. However, I’m still fortunate to have successful “on” periods when I may even appear to walk normally for a brief, ever-so exhilarating interval. It’s like having a miracle each and every day of my life. I can still ride a bicycle even if I can’t walk; balance on the bike doesn’t appear to be nearly as difficult as it is with walking or standing.
Pierre
Paris, France
