What it is
It is sometimes mistaken for Parkinson's disease at first, but Parkinson's medicines usually help very little.
There is no cure. Care focuses on physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and planning ahead with the person and their family.
Common signs
- Stiffness, clumsiness or jerky movements in one arm or leg
- A hand or arm that seems to move on its own (alien limb)
- Difficulty with balance and walking
- Problems with speech and swallowing
- Memory and thinking problems
How it is usually diagnosed
- Assessment by a neurologist
- MRI scan of the brain
- Other scans and tests to rule out other conditions
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Neurology letters
- MRI reports
- Therapy assessments
- Advance care plans and equipment notes
Questions to ask your doctor
- How might this progress, and over what time frame?
- What support and equipment can we get?
- How do we plan ahead for future care?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Choking or breathing difficulty, or a chest infection with fever and breathlessness: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.