Non-motor symptoms can often be more impactful on daily life than motor symptoms.
Understanding non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s is not just important but empowering. It gives you the tools to manage Parkinson’s effectively. Medication, exercise and drinking plenty of water are our top three tips.
GI problems, constipation, continence, sleep issues and blood pressure fluctuations are common autonomic symptoms. Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and slowed thinking are common cognitive symptoms.
Another name for automatic functions is autonomic functions. They are controlled by the autonomic nervous system and include things like heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal. In Parkinson’s, these functions can be disrupted, leading to a range of symptoms.
Read on to find out more about these automatic non-motor symptoms.
Types of pain associated with Parkinson’s include muscle pain, dystonia, radicular (shooting) pain and neuropathy. Unexplained pain is a common symptom in young onset, starting with the shoulder, elbow or hip. Musculoskeletal (muscle) pain is common and related to Parkinson’s rigidity and reduced joint movement. It often feels like an ache or in the neck and back but can affect any body part. Treatment options are limited, but minimising “off” periods, taking painkillers and doing gentle physical activity, along with medication adjustments, behaviour change techniques, pain education, relaxation methods, and complementary therapies like acupuncture, are also used to manage pain.
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