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| Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders |
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Parkinson's Disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.
The four primary symptoms of PD are:
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tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face
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rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk
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bradykinesia, or slowness of movement
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postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination.
As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks.
Onset and Symptoms
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Parkinson's disease usually affects people over the age of 50.
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Early symptoms of PD are subtle and occur gradually. In some people the disease progresses more quickly than in others.
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As the disease progresses, the shaking, or tremor, which affects the majority of PD patients may begin to interfere with daily activities.
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Other symptoms may include:
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depression and other emotional changes
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difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking
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urinary problems or constipation
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skin problems
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sleep disruptions
Read More About Parkinson's Disease in our Health Library
Diagnosis and Treatment
There are no blood or laboratory tests available to diagnose PD, and at the present time there is no cure for PD. A variety of medications, however, can provide dramatic relief from the symptoms. To schedule an appointment with a movement disorders specialist, call the Perlman Ambulatory Care Center Clinic at (858) 657-8540.
Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders
Perlman Medical Office
9350 Campus Point Drive, Ste. LL-B
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 657-8540 |