What is Tremor?

Tremor is the involuntary or unintentional rhythmic movement of one or more parts of the body and it may involve the hands, arms, legs, face, head, trunk, or vocal cords. It may be caused by a number of factors such as neurological disorders due to various causes with Parkinson’s disease being one of them as well as certain drugs, alcohol abuse or withdrawal, mercury poisoning, hyperthyroidism, or liver failure. Certain types of tremors may be inherited and are seen to run in families, but for which no known cause can be found, and these are called essential tremors.

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Since there is no definite diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, only proper history taking and examination of the patient for specific signs and symptoms can lead to diagnosis. The typical features of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and loss of postural reflex which is present in Parkinson’s disease is also a feature of certain other diseases, so tests may need to be done to rule out these other disorders. New tests are constantly being developed for quicker and more conclusive diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease but currently, final diagnosis is widely based on that of the practitioner’s findings and discretion.

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One of the most significant symptoms noted in the early stage of Parkinson’s disease is the characteristic tremor, especially of the hands, often referred to as the Parkinson’s tremor. This is among the earliest symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and often the main reason why new sufferers seek medical treatment even if they had previously ignored other initial symptoms. A Parkinson’s tremor may vary from mild to severe and is initially noted in the hands, particularly the jaw, although other muscles may be affected, like the jaw muscles.

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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

There are no specific tests used to aid in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a correct diagnosis relies on two out of three major signs being met. The three major signs of Parkinson’s are, tremor of limbs while resting, rigidity in the muscles and bradykinesia.

Other factors will also be taken into account such as the absence of secondary causes such as multiple small strokes and antipsychotic medication. Of the three conditions those suffering from Parkinson’s are usually more generally aware of tremor and bradykinesia.

In order to make a correct diagnosis the doctor will perform a neurological examination which is of a set standard. This examination will involve a variety of simple tests based on reactions, reflexes and movement. (more…)

Understanding Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating, progressive illness which affects a person’s movement; various parts of the body can be affected and symptoms are stiffness in the muscles, difficulty when starting to move and slowness and tremor in the hands when they are at rest. The disease was named after Dr James Parkinson who first diagnosed the disease around the 1800`s.

Why does Parkinson’s disease happen?

The basal ganglia, a part of the brain is affected by the disease, it is a part which plays a vital role in how we control our movement. Cells in the substantia nigra, which is a part of the ganglia produce what is know as dopamine, when someone is affected by Parkinson’s the dopamine producing cells are lost and this then causes a shortage of dopamine in the brain. As for the reason these cells are lost not much is known on exactly why this happens. (more…)