Brief Answer:
Information on Parkinsons

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXX,

It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference in symptoms that come from side effects from medications you may be taking, or from other common problems related to aging. I'm providing a list of the most common early signs and symptoms. No single one of these means that you necessarily have Parkinson's disease. But if you are suspicious that you may have Parkinson's you may want to consult with a neurologist.

1. Tremor or Shaking
- of fingers, thumb, hands, lips, or chin.
- legs when relaxed or seated.
- twitching or shaking of arms or legs

Shaking can be normal after lots of exercise or if you have been injured. Shaking could also be caused by a medicine you take.

2. Small Handwriting

You may notice the way you write words on a page has changed, such as letter sizes are smaller and the words are crowded together. A sudden change in handwriting is often a sign of Parkinson's disease.

Sometimes writing can change as you get older, if you have stiff hands or fingers or poor vision, but this happens over time and not suddenly as it does with Parkinson's.

3. Loss of Smell such as decreased ability to smell dill pickles, bananas, or licorice.

Normally your sense of smell can be changed by a cold, flu or a stuffy nose, but it should come back after you are better.

4. Trouble Sleeping

Thrashing around or sudden movements during sleep may be a sign of Parkinson's disease.

It is normal for everyone to have a night when they 'toss and turn' instead of sleeping, but with Parkinson's sleep problems may be more regular.

5. Trouble Moving or Walking

You might notice that your arms don't swing when you walk, or maybe other people have said you look stiff. An early sign might be stiffness or pain in your shoulder or hips. People sometimes say their feet seem 'stuck to the floor.'

Stiffness from another illness like arthritis might cause the same symptom, though.

6. Constipation

Please note that diets inadequate in fiber, and some medications can cause constipation too.

7. A Soft or Low Voice

Other people may tell you that your voice is very soft when you speak in a normal tone, or that you sound hoarse.

8. Masked Face

Often looking serious, depressed or angry, even when you don't feel that way is called masking or masked-face. Staring or blinking less often is another sign.

Some medicines can cause you to have the same type of serious or staring look, but you would go back to the way you were after you stopped the medication.

9. Dizziness or Fainting

- dizziness when you stand up out of a chair.
Feeling dizzy or fainting can be signs of low blood pressure and can be linked to Parkinson's disease.

Everyone has had a time when they stood up and felt dizzy, but if it happens on a regular basis you should see your doctor.

10. Stooping or Hunching Over

If you or your family or friends notice that you seem to be stooping, leaning or slouching when you stand, it could be a sign of Parkinson's disease.

If you have pain from an injury or if you are sick, it might cause you to stand crookedly. Also, a problem with your bones can make you hunch over. These problems are not part of Parkinson's.

If your doctor feels you have Parkinson's disease, create a plan to stay healthy. This can include:

A referral to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the brain, and can give you medications.

Care from an occupational therapist, physical therapist or speech therapist.

Meeting with a medical social worker to talk about how Parkinson's might affect your life so that you get services if needed.

Start a regular exercise program to delay further symptoms. (This is VERY important!)

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.

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