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Symptom’s of Parkinson’s

Symptoms start to appear when the brain can’t make enough dopamine to control movement properly. This usually occurs on one side of the body initially.

There are three main symptoms:

  • slowness of movement (bradykinesia);
  • muscle stiffness (rigidity); and
  • shaking (tremor).

There are, however, many other symptoms that are not always easily recognisable as a Parkinson’s issue. Symptoms are generally categorised as motor or non-motor.

Motor symptoms include:

  • rigidity;
  • tremor;
  • cramps;
  • dystonia (movement disorder);
  • freezing; and
  • falls.

Non-motor symptoms include:

  • pain;
  • sleep fatigue;
  • bladder and bowel problems; and
  • communication problems.

However, these lists are not exhaustive.

If you notice that you or a member of your family has any of these symptoms, please speak to your family doctor (GP) and ask for a referral to a movement disorder specialist, such as a geriatrician with a specialist interest in movement disorders.