Symptoms and Side Effects

Symptoms vary from person to person. They often begin on only one side of the body and progress to the other side.

Parkinson's symptoms include:

Tremor: the tremor usually begins in one limb. It usually happens when the limb is at rest.

Slowed movement (bradykenesia): parkinson's disease will over time reduce your motor skills. Your steps may become shorter as you walk, or it may be difficult to get out of a chair. Dragging your feet may an effect as well.

Rigid muscles: muscle stiffness may occur.

Impaired posture or balance: your posture will become stooped and you will loose your sense of balance.

Loss of automatic movement: you may loose the ability to blink, smile, swing your arms as you walk. You will no longer use hand gestures while talking.

Speech Change: you may speak softly, hesitate before speaking, or speak too quickly. The speech will more than likely be more monotone.

A person effected with Parkinson's disease will also loose their ability to write.

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