3 Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease
April 15, 2013 By Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, LLC
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Though an outwardly noticeable condition, Parkinson's Disease stems from brain's inability to send messages controlling muscle movements.
Parkinson's disease is a motor disorder of the brain that leads to tremors and difficulty with walking, movement and coordination. It is a degenerative disease, meaning that its symptoms are progressive worsen over time.
Parkinson's disease is caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that is used to help control muscle movement. When the nerve cells that create dopamine are slowly destroyed, the brain cannot properly send messages to other parts of the body therefore muscles cannot function the way they normal would. Parkinson's disease usually develops after the age of 50, affects both men and women and is one of the most common nervous system disorders of the elderly.
Sometimes symptoms of Parkinson's disease can be hard to decipher because they worsen at a relatively slow rate. The following are three early warning signs of Parkinson's disease. Not one of these signs should spark concern if noticed alone. If more than one symptom is noticed a person should make an appointment with his or her doctor.
1. Tremor or Shaking: Tremors usually begin in one arm, and may be intermittent. Most tremors worsen under stress and improve during rest or sleep. After several months or a few years both arms may be affected. Parkinson's disease tremors may also involve tremors in the tongue, lips or chin and symptoms are prominent when limbs are at rest.
2. Slowed Movement (Bradykinesia): Stiffness in the torso, arms or legs that do not go away may be a sign of Parkinson's disease. Over time, people with the disease have a diminished ability to move and their steps become shorter. It can be difficult for people to walk to get up out of a chair or bed.
3. Small Handwriting: If the size of your handwriting has suddenly gotten much smaller than it was in the past, you may be exhibiting an early warning sign of Parkinson's disease. People may become concerned when writing changes dramatically and words become crowded together.
If for any reason you find the above mentioned symptoms occurring consistently over an extended period of time, then you may want to seek out the advice of a healthcare professional. Parkinson's Disease specific tests can be administered to determine the severity and preventative health care strategies can be drawn up. Additionally, drugs can be incredibly helpful in the early stages of this disease.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Long Term Disability Lawyer Peter Burke
Peter H. Burke is a long term disability attorney who has helped a number of clients with Parkinson's Disease obtain the LTD benefits that they are entitled to. Whether you are in need of filing a claim or need assistance appealing a denied claim, Peter Burke and his fellow attorneys at Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, LLC are ready to guide you through the process.
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More information about Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, LLC
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
Parkinson's disease is caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that is used to help control muscle movement. When the nerve cells that create dopamine are slowly destroyed, the brain cannot properly send messages to other parts of the body therefore muscles cannot function the way they normal would. Parkinson's disease usually develops after the age of 50, affects both men and women and is one of the most common nervous system disorders of the elderly.
Sometimes symptoms of Parkinson's disease can be hard to decipher because they worsen at a relatively slow rate. The following are three early warning signs of Parkinson's disease. Not one of these signs should spark concern if noticed alone. If more than one symptom is noticed a person should make an appointment with his or her doctor.
1. Tremor or Shaking: Tremors usually begin in one arm, and may be intermittent. Most tremors worsen under stress and improve during rest or sleep. After several months or a few years both arms may be affected. Parkinson's disease tremors may also involve tremors in the tongue, lips or chin and symptoms are prominent when limbs are at rest.
2. Slowed Movement (Bradykinesia): Stiffness in the torso, arms or legs that do not go away may be a sign of Parkinson's disease. Over time, people with the disease have a diminished ability to move and their steps become shorter. It can be difficult for people to walk to get up out of a chair or bed.
3. Small Handwriting: If the size of your handwriting has suddenly gotten much smaller than it was in the past, you may be exhibiting an early warning sign of Parkinson's disease. People may become concerned when writing changes dramatically and words become crowded together.
If for any reason you find the above mentioned symptoms occurring consistently over an extended period of time, then you may want to seek out the advice of a healthcare professional. Parkinson's Disease specific tests can be administered to determine the severity and preventative health care strategies can be drawn up. Additionally, drugs can be incredibly helpful in the early stages of this disease.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Long Term Disability Lawyer Peter Burke
Peter H. Burke is a long term disability attorney who has helped a number of clients with Parkinson's Disease obtain the LTD benefits that they are entitled to. Whether you are in need of filing a claim or need assistance appealing a denied claim, Peter Burke and his fellow attorneys at Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, LLC are ready to guide you through the process.
Copyright Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, LLC - Google+
More information about Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, LLC
View all articles published by Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, LLC
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
