Parkinson's Disease and the Symptoms

By Beth Maxwell

It was way back in 1817 that it was the first time that Parkinson's disease was actually recognized as a real disease. It was Dr. James Parkinson an English Doctor - who noticed that this disease had four main signs; limb tremors (even when resting), stiffness of the body and limbs, sluggish movements and problems with balance. But it was only in the 1950s that doctors and researchers found the cause of the tremors and other symptoms - it was a lack of dopamine not being produced inside the brain.

Since then there are various treatments available to the Parkinson's sufferer the medication used to treat it all contains dopamine which helps the symptoms of the disease. But many people have trouble recognising or knowing what the symptoms are of the disease.

Recognizing the symptoms of the Condition

Most patients only realize something is wrong with they start to have two out of the four main symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness of the body, leg tremors, uncontrollable shaking, poor hand writing, difficulty lifting the feet, or finding it difficult to walk through a door.

Another symptom is the slowness of movement. Something that normally took no time at all to do now takes longer because the movements are so much slower in a Parkinson's patient.

Balance problems can also creep up and you may wonder why they walk into door frames or tripping over things. Eventually the tremor or balance problems are joined by other symptoms - until there is no doubt that Parkinson's disease is the cause of it all.

In addition you'll find slow movements and rigidity in the whole body. Also they do a 'shuffle' a walk that doesn't involve the picking up of the feet and just shuffle along. They may also have facial problems as patients with the disease often develop an 'unblinking stare' or look emotionless.

In the early stages of Parkinson's disease it's very easy to laugh at the symptoms showing as an age related problem, or as some people think 'the price of getting older'. Also many patients think that the rigidity and stiffness of the body is actually arthritis.

Parkinson's patients also have a stooped or hunched look. Often it usually takes more than a year for most patients to finally see a doctor about their different problems.

If you or a loved one has any of these symptoms please visit your doctor or physician.

If you have a partner, friend or relative suffering from Parkinson's you can help them to a better life under the circumstances. http://www.parkinsonstreatment.net

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