Parkinson's Disease - When To Call a Doctor
Call911or other emergency services immediately if signs of a stroke develop suddenly. These may include:
- Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
- Sudden vision changes.
- Sudden trouble speaking.
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
- Sudden problems with walking or balance.
- A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease develop slowly over months.
Understanding Parkinson's Disease -- the Basics
Parkinson's disease, which mostly affects older people but can occur at any age, results from the gradual degeneration of nerve cells in the portion of the midbrain that controls body movements. The first signs are likely to be barely noticeable -- a feeling of weakness or stiffness in one limb, perhaps, or a fine trembling of one hand when it is at rest. Eventually, the shaking worsens and spreads, muscles tend to stiffen, and balance and coordination deteriorate. Depression, cognitive issues,...
Read the Understanding Parkinson's Disease -- the Basics article > >
If you think you may have symptoms of Parkinson's disease, see your doctor. Urgent medical care is not needed if you have had a tremor for some time. But you should discuss the tremor at your next doctor's appointment. If a tremor is affecting your daily activities or if it is a new symptom, see your doctor sooner.
If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, call your doctor if:
- You notice any significant change in your symptoms, such as severe episodes of freezing-a sudden loss of mobility-which may affect walking.
- Your response to your medicine changes.
- Any other symptoms occur.
- You have symptoms of depression.
- You or your family notice that you have problems with memory and thinking ability.
If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, you will need to see members of your health care team regularly (every 3 to 6 months, or as directed) for adjustments in your treatment as your condition changes.
Watchful Waiting
If you notice a tremor developing, watch and record its development. Discuss it with your doctor at the next possible opportunity. A written description will help your doctor make a correct diagnosis. In writing your description, consider the following questions:
- Did the tremor start suddenly or gradually?
- What makes it worse or better?
- What parts of your body are affected?
- Have there been any recent changes in the medicines you are taking or how much you are taking?
For more questions that will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis, read about medical history and Parkinson's disease.
Who To See
The following health professionals can help diagnose or treat Parkinson's disease:
Other health professionals who may be involved in your care include:
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
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