early symptoms, sound familiar??? please help... - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

scheelstephanie · 09-08-2003, 04:45 PM

Hi,

My symptoms did not start out like typical PD. They started a little over a month ago, with a tingling in my right hand, which then started in my left. Then, I started to get a "buzzing" or vibrating feeling in my arms/hands, and now in my legs. My legs twitch all of the time, mostly the calf, but sometimes the thighs too. Sometimes the whole muscle twitches, and sometimes it is just a little part of the muscle. When I am sitting or laying down, I feel like my calf muscles are constantly moving or twitching just slightly. Also, my muscles are somewhat weak, and my right calf muscle is pretty stiff. I know that this could be a lot of different things. Does this sound at all like parkinsons? Any comments would be appreciated.

Thankyou,

Stephanie

Also, how is parkinsons diagnosed. Is an MRI scan used?

[This message has been edited by scheelstephanie (edited 09-08-2003).]

Bruce · 09-09-2003, 03:48 PM

I answered this once, but i don't know what happend to it.

Your twitching on one side, the stiffness in one leg could be rgidity, and weak muscles are all typical f pd, but not specifc for the disease.

The best solution is to make an appointment with an MDS, a movement disorder specialiat, because pd is not always easy to diagnose, especiallly if you are an early onset patient (under about the age 45)

The mri can not diagnose pd, but is used to rule out tumers. Diagnosing pd is by observing the symptoms.

Some symptoms to look for are: micrographia (tiny, illegible hand writtng), depression, taking small steps when walking, poor balance, slow movement, poor concentration, and poor hand dexterity.

Bruce