Signs and Symptoms of PD are divided into two major categories: motor disturbances and non-motor or secondary symptoms that are usually a result of the major motor disturbances.
The primary motor disturbances are:
1. Tremor: tremor of hand, perhaps the head, when body is relaxed. The tremor disappears when affected part is ‘put to work’. The tremor is usually only seen on one side of the body, unless one is in the later stages of the disease.
2. Rigidity: The involved muscle becomes stiff, unable to completely stretch when it is moved. This results in a decreased range of motion. An example of this rigidity may be seen when a person swings their arms when they walk. If the person has PD, they are unable to completely swing their arm. Rigidity can cause painful muscle cramping.
3. Bradykinesia: This symptom is defined by a slowing down of intentional muscle movement. Sometimes, the person completely ‘freezes’ in the act of walking, for instance. This symptom can also be seen in the mask like facies of a person with PD, as the muscles in the face can no longer express all potential emotions. The slowness and incompleteness of motion, can also affect swallowing and speaking.
4. Lack of balance and coordination: The patient can no longer take sharp turns when walking, or make any abrupt movements. This symptom also causes the patient to fall.
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