Warning Signs of Parkinson’s Disease That Can be Observed in People Close to You
It is well-known that Parkinson’s disease is frequently found in elderly people. So, whenever an older relative shows signs of movement abnormalities, don’t hesitate and think that it is something normal that happens to every older person. This is because the movement disorders can be caused by diseases or abnormalities of the nervous system that causes the body to have abnormal movements and control, which are signs of Parkinson’s disease.
Observe and record symptoms for the patient’s benefit.
Upon discovering movement abnormalities, you should observe and make a record of them to notify the doctor when going for a visit to identify the abnormalities.
- Observe to see movement control abilities. If the patient has a movement disorder, the patient will be unable to control movements and cannot willingly cause movements to start or stop. Sometimes, they can only temporarily control their symptoms.
-
What are the nature of their movements? Observe well whether the patient’s movements are less than or greater than normal.
1. Observe the speed and consistency of movements.
2. Review history of movements such as the following:
3. When did the movement abnormalities occur?
4. What factors trigger and contribute to a lessening of the abnormal symptoms?
5. Each time when the abnormality occurs, how long does it occur?
6. How are the movements consistent with or different from what is natural?
7. What factors contribute to a lessening of the abnormal symptoms.
Furthermore, family history should also be recorded to accompany the diagnosis.
- Other characteristics that might be related to the abnormal symptoms such as presence of a chronic disease, whether or not cognitive levels are normal, whether or not there are other co-presenting neurological abnormalities.
-
Here are 2 major movement abnormalities as follows:
1. Hyperkinetic movements.
2. Hypokinetic movements
However, some patients are found to have both types of abnormalities at the same time.
What are hyperkinetic movements like?
Tremors are hyperkinetic movements. Normally, muscles move in a consistent and rhythmic manner, while the frequency of the tremors and extent of the tremors depend on the nature of movements of each patient as follows:
1. Resting tremor occurs when the body is at rest and will subside or stop when the patient moves or changes posture.
2. Dyskinesia or inability to remain still. Dyskinesia is a side effect of the Levodopa drug. It causes the body to constantly move and be unable to remain still, with dance-like movements. It frequently occurs in the face and extremities, but it can also happen anywhere on the body. If the patient takes more medication, the symptoms of dyskinesia will become more pronounced.
What are hypokinetic movements?
1. There are symptoms of bradykinesia and muscle rigidity.
2. There is postural instability, which can be tested by using the pull test, by which both hands are used to pull the patient backward with a person providing support behind. Patients with this problem will require many steps before being able to balance themselves. Some cases might even fall due to total inability to maintain balance.
Know early for early treatment… for a better quality of life.
Although we might have good observation of the people close to us, diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is up to the discretion of a medical professional only.
Doctors will conduct a thorough interview and physical examination by observing and recording movements and taking a video to take each image to compare differences and similarities, in addition to using other test methods.
Therefore, you should diligently observe and record the symptoms of your close ones. If they experience movement abnormalities, you should quickly consult a doctor for a diagnosis and accurate treatment in order to prolong the good quality of life of the patient.
You may find our specialist here at Neurological Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
Phyathai 2 Hospital
International Correspondence Center
Tel: +66-2617-2444 ext. 2020 or 2047 E mail: onestop@phyathai.com
@pt2_inter
Phyathai 2 Cambodia
PT2Chinese
phyathai2inter
