Parkinson?s disease

Untreated, the disorder progresses to total disability, often accompanied by general deterioration of all brain functions, and may lead to an early death.

Treated, the disorder impairs people in varying ways. Most people respond to some extent to medications. The extent of symptom relief, and how long this control of symptoms lasts, is highly variable. The side effects of medications may be severe.

• Varying degrees of disability
• Difficulty swallowing or eating
• Difficulty performing daily activities
• Injuries from falls
• Side effects of medications

Call your health care provider if symptoms occur that are suggestive of Parkinson's disease.

Call your health care provider if symptoms of Parkinson's disease worsen or progress, or if new symptoms appear, including possible side effects of medications:

• Involuntary movements
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Changes in alertness, behavior or mood
• Severe confusion or disorientation
• Delusional behavior
• Hallucinations
• Loss of mental functions

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders;2003: 713-720.

Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:1612-1618.

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