Parkinson's Disease is undoubtedly devastating to a person, imagine yourself being unable to walk normally, experiencing tremors and shaking episodes- these are all the effects of having PD as the disease involves the brain and the neurotransmitters needed for proper muscle coordination.

The pathologic area of the brain in Parkinson's disease is called the substantia nigra which is believed to produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. It is found out that the disease manifests itself fully when 80% of the substantia nigra have been destructed which means that the disease is completely diagnosed at an already late stage in the course of the disease. However, it is believed that there are certain signs and symptoms that point out to this disease- these signs and symptoms should be well noted in order for one to immediately seek help and rule out the diagnosis of this disease.

Rigidity

Most of the time, a person does not notice that his muscles are tensed and rigid until one tells them. It is also true in PD. Many of those with muscular rigidity notice it when their therapists or physicians tell them. So, try to be as keen as possible and see if your muscle is a little tensed now and then without any known cause like stress, etc.

Difficulty in movement

Movement can be assessed in different degrees. Bradykinesia, which means slowed movements is part of the quartet signs and symptoms of PD. Hypokinesia is also an indication that the persons movements becomes diminished or limited. Sometimes, the person experiencing PD also have episodes of akinesia wherein there is a diffivulty initiating movement. A person with PD may be noticeable because of their small shuffling gaits, stooped posture and unstable appearance.

Tremors

Involuntary tremors especially when a person is in a relaxed or inactive state may be indicative of parkinsonism, especially if the tremor disappears when one starts to move actively or do voluntary movements. This is said to be earliest presenting clinical feature of the disease so it is best to take note is you have been experiencing resting tremors lately.

Poor Balance and Coordination of Movements

A person with PD has frequent episodes of falls, loss of balance while walking and dropping things they are holding. Similarly, their eye movements and hand movements may also be impaired making them unable to write legibly, grasp, etc.

Patients with PD also oftenly complains of pain, burning sensation, and numbness in their limbs or extremities.

It is important to take note of these early signs and symptoms inside your body because what most people fail to do is to consult at an early point of the sign and symptom experience stage, and only thinks of consultation when they feel that something really wrong is going on and when the symptoms does not disappear or worsen. Also, many people think that PD only occurs in the elderly- however common it is in the elderly, there is also an increasing number of PD cases which develop at an early point in life so it is important to be extremely cautious and keen. If you realize that you have been feeling similar symptoms and noticing such signs, it is best to consult and seek for medical attention.