Could An Irregular Arm Swing be a Sign of Parkinson’s Disease?

Some neurologists believe identifying an irregular arm swing could lead to early detection of Parkinson's disease, a progressive brain disorder which affects the central nervous system. The disease is usually diagnosed when a patients experiences uncontrolled tremors when their body is meant to be resting. They may also feel stiffness in the limbs or torso or difficulty balancing. By the time these symptoms have been felt by the patient, approximately 50 to 80% of critical brain cells, called dopamine neurons, have already been impaired or died. Associate Professor of Neurology at Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Xuemei Huang, and her colleagues are intensely studying the way people walk (their gait) and analyzing their severity of arm swing and its degree of asymmetry. They are trying to determine if there are early physical signs which point to the onset of Parkinson's Disease. One symptom of a Parkinson's patient is that they swing one arm in an asymmetrical manner. These new studies are hoping to find whether or not the actual presence of an irregular arm swing can tell if a patient is more likely to develop the disease. The earlier the condition can be detected, the better it is for patients. They may benefit from early intervention treatment and possibly start Parkinson's drug therapy.

Once having received a diagnosis of Parkinson's, patients have different treatments to consider including neurological surgery and medication for Parkinson's disease. They can also engage in physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling, along with alternative medicine and seek support groups. Some patients who suffer from depression initially following their diagnosis find it helpful to take anti-depressant medication, while under a doctor's care. Parkinson's medication won't cure the disease but it can positively impact a patient's life and increase their general comfort level. This is one reason the study of arm swing is so important. Many patients have been shown to respond favorably if given medication in the earliest phases of their disease. People with the condition need to consult with their doctor to determine which Parkinson's drugs would work best to manage their symptoms, slow the disease progression, and possibly restore a degree of lost motor skills. Many patients respond favorably to a kind of dopamine replacement therapy, like Levodopa and Carbidopa (Sinemet). This medication and other drug treatments for Parkinson's Disease can be purchased with a prescription through an online pharmacy at a reduced cost to Parkinson's patients.