What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on May 02, 2025
00:00
00:00

Parkinson's disease is a relatively common neurological disorder and a degenerative disease of the nervous system, as well as an extrapyramidal disorder. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease primarily include the following: The first major category is motor symptoms. The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease mainly include bradykinesia, where the patient is generally slow in all actions, such as slow walking, slow dressing, slow turning, etc. There are also symptoms of increased muscle tone and stiffness in the muscles, along with resting tremor of the limbs, unstable posture, and a tendency to fall. The second major category of symptoms is non-motor symptoms, which are also very important in Parkinson's disease. For instance, patients may experience significant sleep disturbances, a reduction in the sense of smell, dizziness, constipation, frequent urination, and other clinical manifestations.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
50sec home-news-image

The causes of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease, also known as tremor paralysis, is a common neurodegenerative disorder. The cause of Parkinson's disease is not yet clear, but it may be related to several factors, such as aging, genetics, and environmental factors. Since Parkinson's disease is the result of multiple factors, including abnormal protein aggregation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, inflammation, and excitotoxicity of glutamate, these elements lead to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain and a reduction in dopamine neurotransmitters in the striatum. This ultimately results in the patient's bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, and resting tremor.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
1min 14sec home-news-image

Methods of Diagnosing Parkinson's Disease

In the auxiliary examinations for Parkinson's disease, routine laboratory tests as well as CT and MRI scans of the head generally show no specific changes. However, in molecular imaging, PET CT can reveal a significant decrease in striatal dopamine transporter. For olfactory tests, over 80% of Parkinson's patients exhibit olfactory dysfunction. Doppler ultrasound can also detect a significant enhancement of the substantia nigra signal. Despite these advancements in auxiliary examinations, diagnosis in patients with Parkinson's disease still primarily relies on clinical evaluation. According to the 2015 criteria, the diagnostic standards are still based on clinical diagnosis, which includes two main points: first, bradykinesia, where voluntary movements are slow and the speed and amplitude of repetitive movements progressively decrease; second, at least one of the following two manifestations must be present: muscular rigidity or resting tremor.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 4sec home-news-image

What medicine is used for Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a relatively common neurological disorder, with a higher incidence in middle-aged and elderly people. Currently, there is no specific cure for the disease, but there are many medications that can significantly improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The commonly used medications mainly include: The first major category is Levodopa preparations. This type of medication has good efficacy but can cause some adverse drug reactions and may provoke the occurrence of motor complications. It should be taken under the advice of a doctor. The second major category of drugs is dopamine receptor agonists. These drugs also have relatively good effects and can improve the motor symptoms of patients, though they may be a bit expensive. Third, anticholinergic drugs. They can significantly improve the patients' normal symptoms, but should not be taken by patients with cognitive impairments. Additionally, there are monoamine oxidase inhibitors and COMT inhibitors that can also be used.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
54sec home-news-image

Is tremor Parkinson's disease?

Tremor and Parkinson's disease are two completely different concepts. Tremor is not necessarily Parkinson's disease, and Parkinson's disease does not necessarily involve tremor. Tremor is just a clinical symptom that can appear in many diseases. In addition to Parkinson's disease, there are also some essential tremors which are genetic. Patients usually experience tremors in their hands when maintaining certain postures, and may also have head tremors. This is a relatively benign disease with a generally good prognosis. Additionally, patients with hyperthyroidism may also experience limb tremors, but this is not Parkinson's disease. Moreover, many patients with Parkinson's disease experience bradykinesia and rigidity, and might not necessarily have limb tremors. Therefore, these two concepts are different; tremor is not necessarily Parkinson's disease.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 2sec home-news-image

Is Parkinson's disease scary?

Parkinson's disease is not a terrifying disease, as its onset is relatively hidden and slow, with gradual progression. Many patients can significantly improve their symptoms, prolong their lives, and enhance their quality of life through rehabilitation training and medication. However, there is no effective cure for Parkinson's disease at this time; current treatments only relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients with Parkinson's should not be afraid and must regularly visit neurology outpatient clinics for follow-up. Neurologists will provide appropriate medications for Parkinson’s and guide the daily life of patients. Moreover, patients must prevent falls. Parkinson's is not a terrifying disease; what is dangerous is arbitrarily stopping or reducing medication without listening to the doctor's advice. (Note: This answer is for reference only, medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician, and medications should not be taken blindly.)