Parkinson’s Disease

James Parkinson: 1817 Essay on the Shaking Palsy

The Florida Headache & Movement Disorder Center specializes in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by muscle stiffness (rigidity), slowness of movement (bradykinesia), postural instability (gait imbalance) and tremor. The diagnosis is made on the basis of detailed history and neurological exam. This is no diagnostic test to make the diagnosis of Parkinson disease. The disease usually starts in individuals over the age of 65. The first symptom may be a mild resting tremor in one hand. To make the diagnosis, a patient needs to have 3 of the four major criteria listed above.

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