What are the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
I have developed a tremor mainly in my right hand which often comes on when I am just sitting down relaxing. Somebody has told me that this is one of the first signs of this disease, is that right and what other symptoms are you likely to get as well?
Tagged with: first signs • tremor
Filed under: parkinson disease treatment
Stop worrying. Speak to your doctor instead.
It’s probably an ‘essential tremor’ which is similar to early stages of Parkinson’s.
You can read about both on the links.
There is a bit more to Parkinson’s though…
It often starts in the hand with circular movements - as if rolling a marble or pill between your thumb and forefinger. It usually affects your arms and legs, but sometimes also your head and jaw (although this may mean you have another kind of tremor). The tremor is most obvious when you’re at rest, and is reduced when you’re moving or sleeping.
Stiffness (rigidity), which makes your limbs feel difficult to move.
Slow movement or an inability to move are common in people with Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s disease often walk with a slow shuffle.
My friend’s husband had Parkinson’s and the first thing his doctors noticed was the stiff way he walked and the immobility of his arms when walking.
I have an essential tremor, my father had one. He didn’t develop Parkinson’s and I have never once considered I could have it.
Slowness and difficulty of movement is the biggest one, sit in a deep chair and try to get out. If you have a hard time that’s a main symptom. Tremors is second as you mentioned. It’s a hard disease to diagnosis early and many doctors get it wrong until later stages. Tremors can be caused by other conditions or diseases also such as Hyperthyroidism, Neurosyphilis spinal conditions, drug withdrawl, anxiety, alcoholism, caffeine reaction, etc.
Many people automatically assume a person with a tremor that is especially noticed in between activities or when starting an activity, has Parkinson’s disease. This is not always true, and essential tremor is quite different than conditions like Parkinson’s. Though it may be linked to cerebellum activity in the brain, which may not adequately coordinate muscle movement, it not always a serious condition, or one that necessarily requires treatment.
Oh camo’n don’t worry… It’s probably just a transient thing…
But try to go to the doctor if u want to make sure…
yes. The other common early symptoms are stiffness, fatigue, aching muscles, poorer sense of smell, lack of facial expression and lack of coordination.
You don’t say how old you are, Parkinson’s is more common over 50.
There is no definitive test for Parkinsons, other diseases are excluded if possible, if Parkinson’s still seems likely then a trial of one of the drugs is started, if you respond then it is the disease.
You will find lots of info - some of which you won’t like - at this site
http://www.parkinsons.org.uk
Good luck
I’m sorry that your have these symptoms and I certainly hope that it is a relatively simple issue to address.
Where are the other tremors you mention?
You are correct, a tremor on one side while the limb is at rest is one of the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is not a precursor but it is an early symptom.
You have already been provided with some of the other early and precursor symptoms: depression, sleep issues, lack of arm movement/swing on on side (PD usually begins unilaterally) loss of sense of smell, weakness or foot drag on one side. Some can begin years before the loss of dopamine neurons has reached the 60-80% when most diagnoses are made.
Sometimes there will be a tingling nerve sensation before the time of tremor onset. And for the 66% +/- PwPs who do have tremor in their form of PD, the type of tremor may differ. In my husband it is a tapping - similar to the one my grandfather used to make deliberately when he no longer could see the music to play the piano. In others it is a rolling of the thumb against fingers (pill rolling).
But please know that if you haven’t had an MRI to disclose lesions etc or a CT scan ordered by your neurologist to rule out other conditions, you may not have a PD DX. There are other conditions which should also be considered, especially if you have other symptoms which you have not discussed here. Blood tests, PET scans and several others should also be done.
Family history may be important. This does not mean just your parents but a much broader circle. Even genetic PD can skip a few generations. And of course your personal medical history is important because the environmental triggers can be hiding back there - such as head trauma.
Diabetes is also associated with tremor. Type 2 particularly.
http://www.ehow.com/about_5031176_diabetes-cause-tremors.html
Some other conditions are stroke, mercury poisoning (that would be odd) essential tremor (although those are usually action or intention tremors) Multiple Sclerosis, benign fasciculation, drug and alcohol abuse, medications and medication interactions, Stress, depression. AND Celiac’s-gluten sensitivity (far more common than one might think) How about vitamin deficiency such as B-12? There’s lyme disease and lupus. There is also the possibility of spinal problems especially cervical spine.
Because Parkinson’s is not exactly a disease with one set of symptoms, the symptoms people experience may vary. Progression also makes a significant difference as PD progression can take years in some people while in others they can go from mild to quite serious in a year or so.
If you are not on a good exercise regimen with stretching and range of motion exercises, stiffness and rigidity can occur more rapidly. Massage therapy can also help hold the line here.
Your age will also make a difference. Because the normal aging process may make for a more rapid progression.
You may notice that your voice pitch, volume and speaking ability change. Your ability to swallow may also be impaired. Sessions with a speech therapist can help you voice, swallowing, drooling and breathing problems. This may also help facial expression which man become rather stiff and unsmiling - suggesting a lack of interest, humor, or comprehension but it is actually a stiffness in those muscles.
Some people with PD have what is known as micrographia - their hand writing becomes very small making it difficult to read. My husband has not had this problem but then his handwriting has always been hard to decipher. Typing (keyboard) may also suffer as one hand - fingers - may stiffen. My husband can only use one hand to type now.
As the progression continues, there may be urinary issues (including nocturia), constipation, sexual dysfunction (more in men than women) Have you had your estrogen levels checked?
The PD walk is stereotyped as being stooped and shuffling due to postural instability. But in the early stage rather than being slow it can be quick small steps - almost lurching forward. Balance becomes an issue, turning must be relearned to prevent falls. Shower seats should be added to the bath.
Depression and sleep disorders are a serious problem. Depression is too often treated with medication where counseling for restoration of self worth might be more helpful. Adding vitamin D3 will also help to combat SAD. There are several good PD treatments for SAD. Sleep problems are not as easy. We found that a heated mattress pad is very effective.
As the disease progresses or as a side effect of PD medications, there can be tremor in the leg, head, neck. Sometimes this movement can be quite extreme. Eventually the disease will become bilateral (both sides of the body will be symptomatic)
Some patients freeze in mid gait. There are therapies and appliances for addressing that issue. There are also appliances-aids for helping people eat and get dressed with a minimum of assistance.
Cognition eventually can become a problem. As can dementia.
Supplements and correct diet can be a significant help but it is important to actually know the right condition before treatment. Antioxidants, rebuilding the immune system, specific vitamin targets are all important to consider. Just as beginning with the best medication for you once the neurologist has made the diagnosis.
Ok, so those are some of the symptoms and some of the progression. What other medical information do you have about yourself that would allow us to provide a real direction for you? We don’t matter, what does matter is that you have the information organized and printed for your doctor.
Best Wishes