Parkinson’s Disease: Diagnosis and signs

This is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the human nervous system, that affects the movement of the body. It starts very slowly, often with a barely noticeable tremble in either of the hands.

This disease affects the dopamine producing (dopaminergic) neurons in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra. 

Dopamine is a natural neuro-tranmistter chemical found in the human body and plays an important part in controlling body movements and emotional responses.  Substantia Nigra is a structure in the mid part of the human brain and plays an important role in ‘reward’ emotions and movement of the body. It is Latin for “Dark Substance” as parts of it are darker due to presence, in high levels, of certain chemicals.

Signs and Symptoms:
The symptoms and signs can vary from person to person; be very mild and go completely unnoticed. They usually begin on one side of the body and that side can get worse, even when, later both sides get affected.  While the actual cause of the disease is unknown, genetics and environment are known to be major factors.

The following, however, are some of the most common signs:

• A tremble, tremor or shaking at the end of limbs, often the hand and fingers. The hand may shake even while it is at complete rest.
• Slow or dragged out body movements. Patients may drag their feet while they walk; they may have difficulty getting into or out of chairs. Even simple day to day movements may become difficult.
• Muscles may stiffen in any part of the body limiting the patient’s range of body movements and also be very painful.
• The posture of the patient may become stooped and body balance may become a problem.
•  The ability to perform unconscious body movements; like, swinging of arms, blinking of eyes and smiling, may be severely reduced.
• The patient’s way of speech may change. It may be too soft, too quick, slurred or hesitant. It may be of a single tone rather than of the usual variations.
• The patient’s handwriting may become very small. They may also find it extremely difficult to write. 

Diagnosis:

While no specific test exists to check for Parkinsons,  a neurologist will start with the patient’s medical history; a review of the disease’s signs and symptoms and full neurological and physical examination.
In general, it is a neurological examination that determines the correct diagnosis of the disease.

Blog Reviewed By: Dr Kiran B Nair

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