Parkinson's Disease Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms of PD begin mildly. They will worsen over time.

Symptoms include:

"Pill-rolling" tremor in the hands
Tremors are present at rest, improve with movement, and are absent during sleep
Stiffness and rigidity of muscles, usually beginning on one side of the body
Difficulty and shuffling when walking
Short steps
Slowness of purposeful movements
Trouble performing usual tasks, due to shaking in hands
Trouble speaking (often speaking with a low volume)
Flat, monotonous voice
Stuttering
Shaky, spidery, or small handwriting
Poor balance
Difficulty with rising from a sitting position
“Freezing”
Anxiety
Seborrhea (a skin problem that causes a red rash and white scales)
Loss of smell
Urinary symptoms (frequency and urgency)
Bowel movement symptoms (straining, constipation)
Tendency to fall
Stooped posture
Increasingly mask-like face, with little variation in expression
Trouble chewing and swallowing
Drooling and excessive salivation
Depression
Dementia
Hallucinations
Difficulty thinking, problems with memory
Decreased sense of smell
Sleep problems such as REM-behavior disorder

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. There are no tests to definitively diagnose PD. The doctor will ask many questions. This will help to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

Tests to rule out other conditions may include:

Blood tests
Urine tests
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head
MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the head
PET scan —a scan that makes images that show the amount of activity in the brain

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.