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Frequently Asked Questions
History, Causes, Diagnosis and Incidence of PD
143 results
Aug 14 2008
Q:In the early stages, is PD commonly mistaken for some other disease or syndrome? (JM)Show Answer
Aug 14 2008
Q:Is it possible I don't have PD? I was diagnosed about 2-1/2 years ago. I am taking Sinemet and Mirapex. Other than walking funny and having a problem with balance, I have no other symptoms. I do not have tremors at all. I'm about to go on disability because of my thinking process being slower and I've been tremendously depressed and just about unable to function mentally. So, how do I know for sure I have PD? Three doctors (including one from the Mayo Clinic) have diagnosed me.Show Answer
(JB)
Aug 14 2008
Q:I am 31 years old. I recently started having some shaking in my left hand just when I am relaxing. It doesn't happen too often but when it does I just watch my hand and try to see how long it lasts and if I can stop it on my own. I can't stop it unless I hold it with my right hand. My question is should I have it checked out by my doctor? I'm afraid if I let it go I may have missed the first signs of something that could have been checked out early.Show Answer
(YO)
Aug 14 2008
Q:Can PD be diagnosed by blood test; for example, testing for levels of dopamine. And has any new drug with fewer side affects come out forShow Answer
treatment? (anonymous)
Aug 14 2008
Q:Actually I made an appointment with an internal medicine doctor. Should I notShow Answer
have done that? I was not sure if it is a neurologist I should go through first? (SZ)
Aug 14 2008
Q:My husband is experiencing a tingling sensation in his pinky finger. I had read or heard that this was a symptom that Michael J. Fox first experienced before being diagnosed with PD. Is this sometimes a symptom of the disease? If so, what kind of physician should my husband see to have this checked out? (anonymous)Show Answer
Aug 14 2008
Q:What are the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease? Can the symptoms be confused with those of other diseases? (anonymous)Show Answer
Aug 14 2008
Q:My Grandma's head shakes all the time. My family was sure that she has Parkinson's disease. Her head has shook for as long as I can remember (all day, every day). Her doctor says that it is just tremors-nothing more. Could it be? Could she not have Parkinson's, but something else? I am curious because she has been falling recently and wondering if it is because of the disease or of something else. (SB)Show Answer
Aug 14 2008
Q:What are the symptoms of Wolff Parkinson's White? Yesterday at work I felt dizzy and disoriented and my heart rate was very high. I was taken to the hospital and they did an ECG and findings were normal. This disease runs in my family (Grandmother). The doctor also thought it could be linked to an inner ear infection. Are there any treatments to control this disorder? I am 21 years old. Thanks. (KC)Show Answer
Aug 14 2008
Q:For some time (years) my hands (both of them, usually my right hand) tremble when at rest. They stop trembling when I move them. More recently my whole arm trembles. I am 42. Recently, I also sometimes am worried about losing my balance, such as when going down steps, although I've never fallen. Might these be symptoms of PD? Also, I had encephalitis about twelve years ago and understand that that might put me at a higher risk for PD? (TW)Show Answer
