Often, people think about Parkinson’s disease when tremor appears. However, it’s important to know that this is not the only symptom to pay attention to: the first signs of this disease may appear 2-3 years before the tremor. Here are 10 early symptoms that may indicate early manifestations of Parkinson’s disease. If you have only one of them, there’s usually no need to worry. If you notice more than one symptom from the list, we recommend consulting a specialist (a neurologist, or even better, a Parkinson’s specialist).
Have you noticed slight twitching of the fingers, hands, or chin? Tremor occurring at rest is a common symptom of the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
When can tremor be a variant of normal?
Hand tremors can occur after excessive physical exertion or in stressful situations. Review the medications you are taking: they may provoke the development of tremor.
Have you noticed a reduction in the size of letters when writing? You might have observed that the text takes up less space on the page, as if the words “merge ” in one
When is a change in handwriting considered normal?
The phenomenon may occur when the hands “Numbness ” from prolonged writing or performing tasks involving fine motor skills, due to poor lighting while writing text
Have you noticed that you suddenly stopped recognizing a familiar product by its smell? If you experience a loss of smell, be sure to inform your doctor, as this symptom may be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease.
When can loss of smell occur?
In some viral diseases, nasal congestion. Unlike the loss of smell in Parkinson’s disease, in these cases, the sense of smell returns upon recovery.
Has your spouse noticed unusual movements of your arms and legs during sleep? How often have you experienced insomnia? Sleep problems can be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease.
When are sleep problems not related to Parkinson’s disease? Limb movements can occur in anyone when they feel “fall ” before falling asleep. Insomnia can be triggered by a stressful situation and other factors.
Have you ever felt stiffness while moving? Was it disrupted alternating movement of your arms while walking? An early sign of Parkinson’s disease may be stiffness in movement. Patients often describe that they feel as if they “stick to the floor “.
When else can this symptom occur? When there are shoulder/hip injuries, accompanying arthritis, or with pronounced fatigue.
Difficulties in defecation may be an early symptom of Parkinson’s disease.
Constipation can also occur if you drink little fluid and consume few dietary fibers. Some medications (particularly for pain) can provoke the development of constipation.
Have your loved ones told you that your voice has changed (become hoarse, low)? Have people around you asked you to repeat what you said more often than usual lately? Voice changes are a symptom sometimes observed in Parkinson’s disease.
In addition to Parkinson’s disease, causes that can lead to voice changes may include infectious diseases, nervous system disorders, or voice “cracking” during adolescence.
Mask-like face – one of the early signs of Parkinson’s disease (unless, of course, you are a fan of Botox treatments to reduce facial wrinkles)
Have you noticed episodes of dizziness when getting up from a sofa or chair? This can occur with low blood pressure, but it is also seen in Parkinson’s disease.
This condition can occur in familial cases of low blood pressure, with autonomic nervous system disorders, and during rapid growth in adolescents.
Have your loved ones told you that your posture has changed? Stooping can be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease
Although slouching can occur with injuries and back pain, scoliosis, and bone tissue problems.
If you are unsure about assessing your symptoms or observe two or more of them simultaneously,
If you are over 60 years old, we recommend consulting our Parkinson’s specialists for a more accurate diagnosis.
Health to you and your loved ones!
Doctor - Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Ultrasound Diagnostics Doctor