Parkinson's disease (patient information)
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What is Parkinson's disease?
How do I know if I have Parkinson's disease and what are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary with each individual and the stage of Parkinson's disease. In the early course, Parkinson's disease does not have any symptoms. As the disease developes, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Tremor: Tremor is one of the most common signs of Parkinson's disease. It often affects in a hand, arm, or leg. It occurs when the person is awake and sitting or standing still, and subsides when the person moves the affected body part.
- Stiff muscles: Muscle stiffness often occurs in the limbs and neck. Later, the patient can not move an arm or leg normally and feel pain in the limb.
- Masked face: This appearance is cause by loss of movement in the muscles in the face. Patients with Parkinson's disease may feel it difficult to speak and swallow.
- Parkinsonian gait: In the later course of the disease, patients with Parkinson's disease are likely to take small steps and shuffle with the feet close together. They also have trouble in turning around and keeping balance. These abnormities may result in frequent falls.
Who is at risk for Parkinson's disease?
The cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown. Many researchers believe that a combination of several factors is involved in the development of this disease.
- Free radicals
- Aging
- Environmental toxins
- Genetic predisposition
How to know you have Parkinson's disease?
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Parkinson's disease?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Parkinson's disease
Prevention of Parkinson's disease
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Copyleft Sources
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/parkinsons_disease.htm
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/parkinsonsdisease/toc.html
http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/default.htm
http://www.neurologychannel.com/parkinsonsdisease/index.shtml