1. Watch for Signs of Trembling
One of the most common ways to identify signs of Parkinson's Disease, a neurological disorder, is to look for trembling in your hands, arms, legs, jaws or face. This is caused by damage to nerve cells in the part of your brain that controls muscle movement. In some cases, you may not even notice the trembling symptoms until they are pointed out to you by a friend or loved one.
2. Keep an eye out for Muscle Stiffness
If you are suffering from Parkinson's, you may notice a stiffness in muscles, especially in your arms and legs. This, in turn, may slow your overall movement and make it difficult to keep up with others, especially children. Since Parkinson's Disease normally affects people who are 60 years old, these symptoms may be mistaken for arthritis, or just the aging process.
3. Be Aware of More Serious Signs as Your Condition Becomes Worse
Unfortunately, Parkinson's Disease is degenerative, which means that your symptoms will gradually become worse if you are not properly treated (usually with prescription medication). These symptoms include poor balance and coordination, difficulty with walking and talking or performing simple everyday tasks such as dressing yourself. These signs can lead to more serious secondary conditions, such as insomnia and depression.
4. See Your Doctor to Identify Signs of Parkinson's Disease
If you identify any of these signs of Parkinson's, you should visit your physician immediately. Diagnosis is usually obtained through a simple neurological exam, and your doctor will look for three or more common signs of this neurological disorder. Reflex tests will be performed to determine your ability to complete simple movements, such as tapping your thumb against your forefinger and tapping your foot on the ground. Your doctor will check your muscles for rigidity and stiffness as well. Finally, your doctor will test your postural instability by challenging your balance as he pulls you back and forth.
