Early Parkinson Symptoms

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disease that affects the muscles. Parkinson's produces a varied frequency of involuntary body movements and spasms. Additionally, Parkinson's disease makes it difficult to carry out everyday voluntary movements, such as reaching for a magazine or television remote. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed treatment to rid the disease. However, if caught during the early stages, the disease may be tamed and the affected person may go on to lead a fruitful life.

Tremors

Tremors are the most common and evident symptom of the development of Parkinson's disease. Tremors are most common in the hands, but often transition into the arms and legs over time. Tremors may be aggressive while the affected area is still. However, once the affected area is moved, the tremors subside. Typically, only one side of the body is affected by tremors; it is rare to have tremors in both your right and left legs.

Loss of Voluntary Movement

Sufferers of Parkinson's disease may notice a loss of voluntary movement. Carrying out slight movements while in sedentary positions may be painful, sluggish and energy draining. Examples of movements that may be difficult to carry out are: reaching for an item on the coffee table while sitting on a couch, changing body positioning in bed and getting out of the car.

Abnormal Walking

Abnormal walking is a common symptom of the development of Parkinson's disease. Generally, most healthy individuals tend to walk with a straight and balanced posture and may turn as they please. However, those suffering from Parkinson's disease may start to lose control of their walking patterns. Stumbling feet, hunchback posture and loss of balance are all common with those suffering from Parkinson's disease.

Muscle Rigidity

Throughout the early development of Parkinson's disease, those suffering from the condition will begin to notice a slight loss of muscle flexibility; this is called muscle rigidity. Muscle rigidity doesn't target a specific set of muscles throughout the body; all muscle groups are susceptible to rigidity. However, there is one set of muscles that seem to be most affected by this symptom--the arm muscles. According to WebMD, "One of the most common early signs of Parkinson's disease is a reduced arm swing on one side, when the person is walking that is caused by muscle rigidity."

Changes in Facial Movement

In the early stages, Parkinson's disease may cause abnormal facial movements. The muscles throughout the face and neck may drastically weaken, making it difficult to swallow, carryout a conversation and properly swallow. Due to the weakness of the facial and surrounding area muscles, the person may develop a fixed facial expression which many liken to an overly Botoxed face. Weakness of these muscles makes the person more prone to drooling and choking on saliva, food and beverages.