Paralysis Agitans

Paralysis Agitans ia another name for Parkinson's Disease.

Paralysis Agitans is a progressive, neurological condition. Symptoms usually appear in people over 50 years and the risk of having the condition increases with age. However, younger people can also have Parkinson’s disease.

There are three main symptoms of Paralysis Agitans.

Tremor - which usually begins in one hand or arm and is more likely to occur when the affected part of the body is at rest and decrease when it is being used. Stress can make the tremor more noticeable. However the presence of tremor does not necessarily mean a person has Paralysis Agitans, as there are several other types and causes of tremor. Also, although most people associate Paralysis Agitans with tremor, up to 30% of people with Parkinson’s disease do not have this symptom.

Muscular rigidity or stiffness - people with Paralysis Agitans often have problems with turning round, getting out of a chair, rolling over in bed, stooped posture, and making fine finger movements, facial expressions and body language.

Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) - movements can become difficult to initiate (start), take longer to perform and lack co-ordination Other symptoms can include tiredness, depression, and difficulties with handwriting, speech, and balance.

The symptoms usually begin slowly, develop gradually, and in no particular order. Paralysis Agitans is a very individual condition and each person will have a different collection of symptoms and response to treatment. The rate at which the condition progresses, the nature and severity of symptoms is also varies in each individual.