What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

The signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may differ in every patient. Some of the initial symptoms may be even unnoticeable. Often, only one side may be involved and show the symptoms. Even when symptoms affect both sides, they maybe more prominent on one side.

Some commonly seen symptoms are:

• Restricted movements: In the early stages, the face may appear expressionless or very fewer expressions. The arms may not swing while walking. There may be slurring or softening of speech. Parkinson’s disease symptoms worsen as the condition progresses over time.
• Tremors: Shaking of one limb, mostly the hand or fingers begins first. Two most common symptoms are tremor of a hand at rest and back-and-forth rubbing of the thumb and forefinger, known as pill-rolling tremors.
• Bradykinesia or slowed movements: With time, there may be a reduction in the ability to move, accompanied with shortening of steps, dragging of feet and difficulty to get out of a chair.
• Rigidity of the muscles leading to stiffness and pain.
• Imbalance and posture impairment like stooping.
• Decreased automatic movements like smiling, blinking, and swinging of arms while walking.
• Difficulty in writing.