Symptoms

The cardinal motor symptoms are slowed movements (called bradykinesia), resting tremor (shaking in an arm or leg when it is not being moved), muscle rigidity (stiffness), and postural instability. Other symptoms are listed in the Box below. Symptoms typically begin on one side of the body (unilateral) and progress to include both sides.

Symptoms of Parkinsons Disease

(Not all people with PD develop all these symptoms.)

Motor Symptoms

Tremor

Bradykinesia

Rigidity and freezing in place

Stooped, shuffling gait

Decreased arm swing when walking

Difficulty arising from a chair

Micrographia (small handwriting)

Lack of facial expression

Slowed activities of daily living

Postural instability

Difficulty turning in bed

Nonmotor Symptoms

Diminished sense of smell

Low voice volume

Painful foot cramps

Sleep disturbance

Depression

Constipation

Drooling

Increased sweating

Urinary frequency/urgency

Male erectile dysfunction