What it is
Symptoms get worse slowly. Many people keep a good quality of life for years with treatment.
Medicines such as levodopa help control symptoms. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy also help, and some people are offered deep brain stimulation.
Common signs
- Shaking (tremor), often starting in one hand
- Slow movement
- Stiff and inflexible muscles
- Problems with balance
- Loss of sense of smell
- Problems sleeping, constipation or low mood
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about symptoms and an examination by a specialist
- Watching how symptoms respond to medicine
- Sometimes a brain scan to rule out other causes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Neurology letters
- Medicine schedules and dose changes
- Therapy plans
- A symptom diary
Questions to ask your doctor
- How should I time my medicines?
- Which therapies could help me now?
- Who is my Parkinson's nurse or main contact?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden severe stiffness, high temperature and confusion, especially after missing medicines: 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.