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How To Detect the Symptoms Of Parkinson's Disease

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Uploaded by on Dec 10, 2009

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Parkinson's disease is a chronic condition caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain. Diagnosis can sometimes take years; knowing symptoms can speed up the process.

To complete this How-To you will need:

An observant eye
A doctor

Step 1: Notice tremors

Take note of tremors, the most common and often earliest symptom of Parkinson's disease. Tremors are a steady and rhythmic shaking of the hands or feet.

Step 2: Test rigidity

Test rigidity. Muscle stiffness is another common symptom. Stretch and move limbs to see if they feel heavy or weak.

Tip: Check for a decrease in facial expressions, as this is also an indicator of rigidity.

Step 3: Look for bradykinesia

Look for a noticeable slowness in movement, known as bradykinesia. Movement may also be incomplete or hard to start.

Step 4: Test balance

Test the difficulty of keeping balanced with a gentle push. Parkinson's disease can cause postural instability, which leads to loss of balance.

Tip: Check for a bent-forward posture when standing. This adds to the loss of balance.

Step 5: Look for loss in automatic movements

Look for a loss in automatic movements, such as blinking or swallowing. Parkinson's disease reduces many functions that are normally unconscious.

Step 6: See a doctor

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a doctor for a thorough examination.

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Top Comments

  • michael j fox =(

  • one of my relatives has this disease, it really really sucks.

    As your disease gets worse You'll have less and less control over your body, causing you to twitch and spazz. Eventually you die because one of your important muscles, like the one that allows you to swallow your food, spazzes and you choke or something...

    I feel SO bad for my cousin..

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All Comments (29)

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  • @kikikyami if im correct that doesnt happen to every body only the people that have trouble swallowing

  • i never had a grandad...

  • @sushiiifish911 or essential tremmor, or tonnes of other things

  • @TheLastCurlbender I'm sooooooooooooooooo sorry to hear about your loss.

  • This disease is so devestating....

    My grandmother passed away today due to parkinson's and seeing her in her final days was one of the hardest things to witness in my life. Q_Q

    We need to find a cure...NOW...

    Love you Grandma <3

    Melissa

    Jan. 1st 2011

  • my grand dad has dis disease,first i thought it was nothing but seeing this video makes me worried

  • @4thMassachusetts I knew there was something bad from smoking that stuff! Well I don't need anything yet, i'm quite fine now, but if i ever feel like i need dopamine, i'll look for some L-dopa, thanks.

  • @Beholdthecoma

    Excess dopamine is also a prevailing theory for schizophrenia (the dopamine hypothesis theory). As such, weed (and amphetamines) can also trigger the onset of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

    L-dopa is generally safer to get dopamine in your system. :)

  • ohhhhh shiiiiiitttt

  • @eddieguererro2 hey! i was gonna say that : /

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