Parkinson's disease is a movement and progressive disorder of the nervous system. The symptoms of the disease begin slowly. In many cases, the tremors in one hand are barely noticeable. Moreover, tremors are frequent accompanied by stiffness or compromised mobility.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
The indications and symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from person to person. As a result, early warning signs and symptoms could be subtle and mostly overlooked. Symptoms usually start on one side of your body and worsen on that side; sometimes, symptoms begin to impact both sides.
The following are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease:
- Tremor: They usually affect limbs, hands, fingers, thumb, and forefingers.
- Slowed movement: With the progress of Parkinson's disease affects movement and makes your everyday tasks difficult.
Other symptoms include
- Rigid muscles
- Impaired balance and posture
- Decreased or loss of automatic movements
- Changes in speech (slurred speech)
- Writing changes
Types of Tremors
The common feature of Parkinson's disease is tremor. However, sometimes tremors may also indicate some other conditions.
- Essential Tremor: A tremor of the hands, head, legs, body, or voice is known as an essential tremor, and it is most prominent during movement. It is a prevalent type of tremor that is frequently misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease.
- Dystonic tremor: these tremors happen due to different various movement disorders that affect contractions and muscle spasms.
It can be thought to distinguish between essential and dystonic tremors and Parkinson's tremors.
Cause of Parkinson’s Tremor
Parkinson's disease is caused by a low level or deficiency of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. It happens due to the death of dopamine-producing nerve cells in their brain. It will lead to a health condition called Parkinson’s disease, and its symptoms start to begin, and the most common symptom is a tremor.
A tremor may be the initial sign of Parkinson's disease in some patients. However, patients can see differences because not everyone with Parkinson's disease has the same symptoms.
Prevalence of Parkinson's Tremor
Approximately 70% of individuals with Parkinson's disease develop tremors at some time during their illness. The prevalence of tremor seems to be low in younger persons with Parkinson's disease, although it is perhaps one of the most distressing symptoms. Individuals with resting tremors frequently have a slower-moving illness than those who do not have a tremor.
Prevalence of Parkinson’s Tremor
Approximately 70% of individuals with Parkinson's disease develop tremors at some time during their illness. The prevalence of tremor seems to be low in younger persons with Parkinson's disease, although it is perhaps one of the most distressing symptoms. Individuals with resting tremor frequently have a slower-moving illness than those who do not have tremor.
Managing Parkinson’s Tremor
The most commonly prescribed medicine for Parkinson's tremor is Levodopa. It mainly controls movement symptoms, and tremor usually – but not always – reacts to it. Other drugs are often used if dopaminergic medications fail to control tremors. On the other hand, Anticholinergics can aid with tremors. However, they have severe mental and physical adverse effects. Therefore they should be used with caution. Youngsters with tremor-predominant PD benefit the most from anticholinergics.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is often helpful in managing tremors, notably medication-unresponsive tremors, if drugs are ineffective. Internal tremor is treated by a similar method as apparent tremor. Moreover, exercise is just as essential as medications and other treatments to manage Parkinson's symptoms and improve quality of life.
Worsening of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson's tremor can be controlled with medicine, but it usually worsens over time. However, this is usually a lengthy procedure that takes several years to complete. Generally, a Parkinson’s tremor usually begins in hand and then spreads to the remainder of the arm. In addition, the tremor might sometimes migrate to the other side of the body, also affecting the foot.
References
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055
- https://www.healthline.com/health/parkinsons-disease/essential-tremor-vs-parkinsons#essential-tremor
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/parkinsons-disease/parkinsons-symptoms
- https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/tremor