First symptoms of parkinson's and what to do

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremor, stiffness and slow movements, usually start in a subtle way and, therefore, are not always noticed in the most initial phase. However, over the course of a few months or years, they evolve and worsen, becoming more and more evident, and it is necessary to start treatment so that the carrier person can have a quality life.

To suspect this disease, which is a type of brain degeneration, it is necessary to have some signs and symptoms that appear together or worsen over time, being advised to consult with a neurologist or geriatrician to confirm the diagnosis.

The main signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease are:

1. Tremor

Parkinson's tremor happens when the person is at rest, at rest, and improves when making a movement. It is more common in the hands, being a tremor with great amplitude, that imitates the movement of counting money, but it can also appear in the chin, lips, tongue and legs. It is more common that it is asymmetrical, that is, on only one side of the body, but this can vary. In addition, it is common to get worse in situations of stress and anxiety.

2. Rigidity

The stiffness of the muscles can also be asymmetrical or be more present in some part of the body, such as arms or legs, giving a feeling of being stiff, preventing activities such as walking, dressing, opening the arms, going up and down stairs, in addition to difficulty to perform other movements. Muscle pain and excessive tiredness are also common.

3. Slow movements

Situation known as bradykinesia, which happens when there is a decrease in the range of motion and the loss of certain automatic movements, such as blinking the eyes. Thus, the agility to make quick and wide movements is compromised, which makes it difficult to perform simple tasks, such as opening and closing hands, dressing, writing or chewing.

Thus, walking becomes dragged, slow and with short steps, and there is also a decrease in the swinging of the arms, which increases the risk of falls. There is a decrease in facial expressions, a hoarse and low voice, difficulty in swallowing food, with gagging, and slow writing in small letters.

4. Bent posture

Posture changes are present in the more advanced and final stages of the disease, which starts with a more stooped posture, but, if left untreated, can develop into joint contraction and immobility.

In addition to the curved spine, other more common changes in posture are inclination of the head, arms held in front of the body, as well as bent knees and elbows.

5. Imbalance

The rigidity and slowness of the body make it difficult to control the reflexes, making it difficult to balance, stand upright and maintain posture, with a great risk of falls and difficulty walking.

6. Freezing

At times, there is a sudden block to initiate movement, known as freezing or freezing , and it is common to happen while walking, speaking or writing.

Although these signs and symptoms are characteristic in Parkinson's, many can happen in other diseases that cause movement disorders, such as essential tremor, advanced syphilis, tumor, in addition to movement disorders caused by drugs or other diseases, such as progressive supranuclear paralysis or dementia by Lewy corpuscles, for example. To confirm that there are none of these diseases, the doctor needs to make a thorough evaluation of the symptoms, physical and neurological examination, in addition to ordering tests such as brain MRI and blood tests.

Other common symptoms in Parkinson's

In addition to the symptoms mentioned, which are fundamental to suspect Parkinson's disease, there are other manifestations that are also common in the disease, such as:

• Sleep disorders such as insomnia, nightmares or sleepwalking; Sadness and depression; Dizziness; Difficulty smelling; Excessive sweating; Dermatitis or skin irritation; Trapped intestine; Parkinson's dementia, in which there is memory loss.

These symptoms may be present to a greater or lesser extent, according to the development of each person's disease.

What to do if you suspect Parkinson's

In the presence of symptoms that indicate Parkinson's, it is important to consult a neurologist or a geriatrician for a complete clinical evaluation, with analysis of the symptoms, physical examination and ordering tests that identify whether there is another health problem that may be causing these symptoms, since there is no specific test for Parkinson's disease.

If the doctor confirms the diagnosis, he will also indicate medications that help to reduce the symptoms, especially the tremors and the slowing of movements, such as Levodopa, for example. In addition, it is very important to do physical therapy, and other activities that stimulate the patient, such as occupational therapy and physical activity, so that he learns to overcome some of the limitations caused by the disease, allowing him to maintain an independent life.

Find out more about how Parkinson's treatment is done.