Classifying different stages of Parkinson’s disease is essential for monitoring the progression of the condition as well as identifying any headway made with certain treatment options. There are generally five stages of Parkinson’s disease and due to the slow progression of Parkinson’s, it may be difficult at times to clearly categorize individual cases into specific stages. The intensity of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may vary, sometimes even on a daily basis, and certain cases may even skip some of the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.

Stage 1 of Parkinson’s Disease (Mild)

• Symptoms are mild and may only affect one side.
• Daily functioning is not impaired although tremors create difficulty.
• Slightly evident changes in balance, posture, movement and facial expression.

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Understanding Parkinson’s disease

When medication has ceased to be effective or the side effects from them have become no longer tolerable, surgery might be an option your Doctor will consider and advise to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. However not all sufferers of Parkinson’s will be a candidate for surgery, an example would be a person who didn’t respond very well to Levodopa treatment.

Of all the people suffering from this disease it is thought that only around 10% of them could be classed as possible suitable candidates for surgery. Another factor to consider when thinking of surgery is that while improvements could be gained there is also the risk factor to take into account that surgery of any kind has. (more…)