Common Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may have many severe symptoms, while others have only a few mild ones. Parkinson’s disease symptoms may involve only one side of the body, and later on both sides may be involved. Symptoms change over time—different symptoms may occur at different stages, and symptoms may get worse as the disease progresses. The most common symptoms of the disease are listed below.
Tremor (shaking) is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Most often, a hand or arm shakes on one or both sides of the body. Tremor may also affect other areas of the body, such as a leg, a foot, or the chin. Shaking usually lessens when the affected part is used. It usually worsens when at rest.
Rigidity (stiffness), or muscle tightness, happens because the muscles don’t get the signal to relax. Rigidity may cause muscle pain and a stooped posture.
Bradykinesia means “slow movement.” Starting to move takes extra effort, causing problems with actions such as getting out of chairs and beds. Walking may be limited to short, shuffling steps. People with Parkinson’s disease sometimes feel “frozen,” unable to move. Blinking, facial expressions, swinging of arms when walking, and other “unconscious movements” are also slowed down.
Problems with balance can lead to falls, often forward or backward.
Other symptoms may include speaking too softly and in a monotone, writing that gets shaky and smaller across the page, and sometimes trouble swallowing. Constipation is a common problem for people with Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms may also include oily skin, sweating, and changes in blood pressure. Memory loss and other problems with thinking may also be present.
