Early Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease - Causes & Treatment

Shaky hands, is that the beginning of Parkinson's?

Trembling or involuntary muscle movement of the hands, arms, legs, or the head may be a sign of Parkinson's disease in the elderly, among many other underlying causes. While it may be one of the leading Parkinson's disease symptoms in the ageing population, it may not be a definitive sign of Parkinson's disease. There are many other early signs and symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. Trembling and shaking may be confused with a less severe condition called essential tremor.

Tremors are common during the onset of many diseases in the elderly, but Parkinson's disease may also show signs of stiffness and slow muscle movement and reduced agility. At Hinduja Hospital, we specialize in providing exceptional comprehensive treatment and care to our elderly patients suffering from a broad spectrum of ailments, including age-related illnesses such as Parkinson's disease.

What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder observed in the elderly population, which occurs when the nerve cells in the brain do not produce enough dopamine. Parkinson's disease may progressively worsen over time, leading to increased disability.

What are the Early Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?

The onset of trembling may characterize Parkinson's disease, but there may also be other Parkinson's disease symptoms, such as:
●Changes in handwriting
●Slowed movement
●Muscle stiffness
●Impaired balance and posture
●Loss of automatic movements
●Changes in speech and slurring

The signs of trembling in Parkinson's may initially appear on one side of the body, commonly in the hands, and then progress to the other side of the body.

What are the Causes of Parkinson's Disease?

In old age, nerve endings in the brain, called neurons, start breaking down and dying. Many Parkinson's disease symptoms may be due to the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells, leading to irregular brain activity, loss of movement coordination, and other Parkinson's symptoms. Specific genes and environmental factors have also been identified as factors influencing the onset of Parkinson's disease. Additionally, men are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than women.

Parkinson's Disease vs Essential Tremor

Essential tremor is also a neurological disorder that may cause involuntary shaking and trembling of the hands and arms. It is not a life-threatening condition but may lead to a disability. Tremors in such a condition may start in the hand and spread to affect the voice and head.

There may be some differences between tremors associated with essential tremor and Parkinson's disease, which may include the following:

1.Trembling or shaking in Parkinson's disease may be much more pronounced than in essential tremor.
2.Posture problems may be present in Parkinson's disease, which may not be seen in essential tremor.
3.The voice box may be affected in essential tremor, but it may not occur in Parkinson's disease.
4.In the case of essential tremor, shaking may be felt more when in motion, while in the case of Parkinson's disease, trembling may occur even at rest.

For many patients, essential tremor may be experienced as mild tremors and may not interfere with daily life activities. However, any worsening symptoms of trembling should be evaluated by a doctor.

What are the Other Causes of Tremors in Elderly?

Apart from essential tremor and Parkinson's disease, tremors may also be observed in the elderly with other diseases. These diseases may include the following:

●Huntington's disease: Huntington's disease is a hereditary condition that can cause a decline in brain function and reduce life expectancy. The symptoms of Huntington's disease may begin after the age of 30 and are characterized by involuntary movements of the arms, legs, head, etc. It can also lead to cognitive deterioration.
●Stroke: A stroke occurs when there is a blockage or rupture of an artery in the brain, resulting in brain damage that can lead to disability or even death. Symptoms of a stroke may include sudden headache, confusion, blurry vision, lack of coordination, numbness, etc. Trembling of the hands may be experienced as an aftereffect of a stroke, which may resolve on its own over time.
●Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, which controls key bodily functions such as thinking, moving, and feeling. MS can affect individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 and may exhibit symptoms such as numbness, stiffness, vision problems, etc., in addition to experiencing shaky hands.
●Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels in the body can cause a condition called hypoglycemia, which may manifest symptoms such as sweating, shaking, hunger, and anxiety.
●Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that can occur in individuals as young as 5 years old. It can also be diagnosed later in life when symptoms become more pronounced. Cerebral palsy affects motor coordination and may cause muscle stiffness, exaggerated reflexes, lack of balance, trembling, etc.
●Thyroid issues: An overactive thyroid gland can cause subtle signs due to nerve overstimulation caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. Shaking and tremors, along with a faster heart rate, insatiable hunger, weight loss, exhaustion, and increased heat and perspiration, may occur.
●Medications: Certain prescribed medications may also cause tremors as side effects. Some of the most common medications that can cause tremors include:

• High blood pressure medications
• Immunosuppressants
• Seizure medications
• Antidepressants
• Antibiotics
• Antivirals
• Mood stabilizers and stimulants
• Asthma medications
• Cancer treatment drugs

●Caffeine: Drinking excessive amounts of coffee can induce tremors, along with other symptoms such as irregular heartbeats, anxiety, and upset stomach.
●Alcohol abuse or withdrawal syndrome: Withdrawal from alcohol abuse can result in various symptoms, including tremors and shaking of the hands. These tremors may begin as early as 10 hours after the last drink and can last for several weeks.
●Anxiety: Anxiety can also cause tremors in the elderly. Sudden, uncontrollable shaking may occur due to anxiety.

Treatment of Tremors

Symptoms of tremors in the elderly may be hard to manage, but depending on the severity and cause of tremors, it may be possible to manage them. Some of the treatment methods that may be considered include:

●Lifestyle changes: Making small changes in lifestyle, such as diet and activity level, can help reduce trembling. Cutting down on coffee, nicotine, and alcohol consumption may reduce tremors induced by caffeine and alcohol. Managing stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques can also help with tremor management.
●Medication: Doctors may recommend medications to manage tremors caused by certain conditions, such as essential tremor.
●Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in cases of stroke or when shaking and related symptoms severely affect the patient or when other treatments have been unsuccessful. Deep brain stimulation may be performed on patients with Parkinson's disease to alleviate the symptoms.
●Physical therapy: Physical therapy and other techniques may be utilized for managing tremors.

Tremors can be managed and treated based on the underlying cause, which is not always Parkinson's disease. While tremors can indicate Parkinson's disease, they may not be definitive or conclusive symptoms of the condition.

Parkinson's Treatment in Mumbai

At Hinduja Hospital, we provide specialized care and compassion in treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease and related conditions. We strive to offer accurate Parkinson's disease diagnosis and treatment services, along with comprehensive healthcare tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Our team of highly experienced doctors, specialists, and medical staff are well-trained in providing customized healthcare treatments for managing symptoms such as tremors in the elderly. Looking for the best Parkinson's treatment center in Mumbai? Call us today.

FAQs

What is the most common cause of tremors?

Tremors in the elderly may be caused by damage and death of nerve cell endings in the brain, which can be normal with old age.

What causes shakiness and weakness in the elderly?

There can be many reasons for feeling shaky and tired, especially in the elderly. These symptoms may be caused by exhaustion, dehydration, or diseases such as Parkinson's and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Does Parkinson's start with shaking hands?

Parkinson's disease may start with symptoms such as tremors appearing on one side of the body and then spreading to the rest of the body.

Can Parkinson's tremors go away?

Tremors in Parkinson's disease may improve over a long period of time but rarely worsen.