Parkinson's Disease

What is Parkinson disease?

Parkinson disease is a progressive movement disorder. This means the symptoms will gradually worsen over time. In people with Parkinson disease a vital chemical in the brain, dopamine, slowly decreases. Dopamine makes smooth and coordinated muscle movement possible. A loss of dopamine leads to symptoms of Parkinson disease, such as:

• Shaking (tremor)
• Stiffness
• Shuffling walk
• Slowness of movements
• Balance problems
• Small or cramped handwriting
• Loss of facial expression
• Soft, muffled speech

How is Parkinson disease diagnosed?

Parkinson disease is common, but it can be difficult to diagnose. This is especially true in the early stages or in older people. A doctor will make a diagnosis after a complete medical history, review of the symptoms, and a detailed neurological exam. Your doctor will try to find out if the symptoms are due to Parkinson disease or another condition that has similar symptoms. According to good evidence, history of falls, no tremor, rapid progression of the symptoms, and no effect of drugs on Parkinson-like symptoms may be signs of a similar condition, not Parkinson disease. At this time there is not enough evidence for or against the use of brain imaging (PET, MRI, CT), blood tests, or other tests to help diagnose Parkinson disease.

What is the prognosis for Parkinson disease?

Parkinson disease usually progresses slowly. Doctors cannot estimate exactly how quickly or slowly it will progress in a patient. This will vary from person to person. However, good evidence shows that Parkinson disease may progress more quickly in people who are older when symptoms begin. Parkinson disease may progress more quickly in people who do not have tremor. There is weak evidence that the disease will progress faster in men and people with a history of stroke, hearing, or vision problems.

Talk to your neurologist

People experiencing the signs of Parkinson disease should seek the care of a neurologist. Your doctor will recommend an individualized treatment plan. This may include lifestyle changes. All treatments have some side effects. The choice of which side effects can be tolerated depends on the individual.

© American Academy of Neurology