Image: Canva
Parkinson’s is a progressive syndrome that occurs with neurological symptoms and the risk of this condition increases as one ages
Image: Canva
Various environmental and genetic factors are responsible for the development of Parkinson’s disease, like the use of a drug called MPTP
Image: Canva
One of the earliest symptoms are tremors, present in almost 70% of the affected individuals. They usually start when the fingers and hands are at rest
Image: Canva
Rigidity is also observed, where an increased resistance to passive movement is seen. The limbs may seem to be stiff, called lead-pipe rigidity
Image: Canva
Slowing of movements, also known as bradykinesia, is the hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. There is difficulty in initiating voluntary movements
Image: Canva
The automatic movements of the body that are ordinarily seen, like swinging of arms while walking, are also reduced significantly
Image: Canva
The face becomes mask-like, that is, there is a fixity of facial expressions or facial immobility in people with Parkinson’s disease
Image: Canva
The palpebral fissure (the opening between the eyelids) widens, and the affected individual may not blink as many times as the average person
Image: Canva
Because of the combination of tremors, rigidity and poverty of movements, the person may have an illegible handwriting
Image: Canva
A stooped posture is also a common feature. The diagnosis is often based on the clinical findings and symptomatic treatment is advised