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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.

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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 Parkinson's 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