How Parkinson's presents
Rest tremor (often hand), bradykinesia (slowness), rigidity and balance/gait changes characterize Parkinson's disease, but not every tremor is Parkinson's. Essential tremor is action-related and often familial; medication, thyroid and cerebellar disorders also cause shaking. Characterization by timing, family history and associated features guides evaluation.
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Evaluation steps
Detailed timing of tremor (rest vs action vs postural), family and medication review, and neurological exam focusing on rest vs action components, gait and non-motor features. Labs and imaging are targeted, not routine, and are used to exclude mimics.
- Rest vs action vs postural tremor history
- Family, caffeine, thyroid and medication review
- Gait, balance and non-motor screening