Muscle rigidity in the face sometimes causes people with Parkinson’s to develop a “mask”-like, blank expression. [5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The Parkinson’s mask is characterized by staring with little blinking, little or no smiling, and the general suggestion that the person is angry, even if he or she feels just fine. You may also notice the development of slouched posture due to rigidity. This might mean the person hunches forward, or they may bend over to one side more than the other. [6] X Research source
Failure to have a bowel movement every day does not necessarily indicate constipation. For some people, it may be normal to go 3-4 days between movements. Constipation is marked by a significant decrease in movement frequency. They are also drier than usual, and difficult to pass. You may find that you’re straining when you use the bathroom. Make allowances for other causes of constipation. These might include dehydration, fiber deficiency, excessive alcohol, caffeine or dairy, and stress, among other potential causes. [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Your handwriting becomes small and more cramped than usual You can no longer write in a smooth, fluid motion Your hands feel tight when writing Note that micrographia is usually marked by a sudden rather than gradual change.
Remember that there are other, completely harmless reasons for the sudden loss of smell. Let a cold, the flu, or a stuffy nose run their course before worrying about hyposmia.
Insomnia (the inability to fall asleep at night)[15] X Research source Feeling sleepy during the day (reported by 76% of Parkinson’s sufferers) or having “sleep attacks” (sudden, involuntary onset of sleep) Nightmares or the “acting out” of dreams while you’re asleep Sleep apnea (when you stop breathing for a few seconds at a time while asleep)[16] X Research source
Age also increases your risk of developing Parkinson’s. Whereas 1-2% of the general population suffers from the disease, 2-4% of the population over 60 years in age suffers from it. Be aware of your genetic risk factors and be able to provide them to your doctor.
Animation of the facial muscles The presence of tremors when your limbs are resting Limb or neck stiffness Ability to stand up suddenly without dizziness Flexibility and muscle strength Ability to regain balance quickly
Be prepared for additional tests (blood tests, scans) that may be carried out to rule out other causes for the symptoms you’ve observed. [22] X Research source
Make sure to take the medication as directed. If you space out the doses too much or don’t take a high enough dose, the doctor won’t be able to accurately gauge how much and why your symptoms improved or didn’t improve.
If the doctors say you don’t have Parkinson’s, but the symptoms don’t go away, get retested periodically. This is a progressive disease, and with time, the symptoms may progress to a stage that will allow a doctor to confirm a solid diagnosis. [24] X Research source
