Freezing in Parkinson’s is a phenomenon that occurs in many individuals with Parkinson’s disease, causing them to suddenly stop moving and feel as though they are ‘stuck in place.’ This symptom can be frustrating and dangerous, as individuals may freeze at inopportune times, such as when crossing the street or stepping off a curb.
What Causes Freezing in Parkinson’s?
Freezing is thought to be caused by a combination of motor and cognitive impairments. Parkinson’s disease affects the basal ganglia, which is responsible for controlling movement.
When the basal ganglia are damaged, individuals may have difficulty initiating movement and initiating movements fluidly.
Additionally, Parkinson’s disease can also affect cognition, including attention, perception, and motor planning. This can make it difficult for individuals to process sensory information, such as stairs, narrow doorways, or crowded spaces.
When an individual’s sensory cortex becomes overwhelmed, it can cause their motor cortex to go ‘offline,’ resulting in freezing.
Related Article
Parkinson’s: When mobility vanishes
Factors That Can Contribute to Freezing
There are several factors that can contribute to freezing in Parkinson’s, including:.
- Stress or anxiety
- Crowded or unfamiliar environments
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Medications that affect the basal ganglia or cognition
How Can Freezing in Parkinson’s Be Managed?
While freezing in Parkinson’s can be frustrating, there are several strategies that can be implemented to manage this symptom.
- Visual cues: Placing visual cues on the floor, such as tape or a contrasting colored rug, can help individuals with Parkinson’s better process their environment and reduce the likelihood of freezing.
- Auditory cues: Using auditory cues, such as a metronome or a song with a steady beat, can also help individuals with Parkinson’s initiate and maintain movement better.
- Exercise: Regular exercise, such as walking, cycling, or dancing, can help individuals with Parkinson’s improve their gait, balance, and coordination, which can, in turn, reduce freezing episodes.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as levodopa or dopamine agonists, can help improve motor function and reduce the frequency and severity of freezing episodes.
What to Do If You Experience Freezing in Parkinson’s?
If you experience freezing in Parkinson’s, it’s essential to stay calm and remain focused. Try the following approaches to help ‘unstick’ yourself:.
- Shift your weight from one foot to another to initiate movement.
- Take small steps or shuffle your feet to regain momentum.
- Focus on a visual or auditory cue to help you initiate movement.
- Take deep breaths and calm your mind to help reduce stress and anxiety that can contribute to freezing.
Conclusion
While freezing in Parkinson’s can be frustrating and potentially dangerous, there are several strategies that can be implemented to manage this symptom successfully.
By using visual and auditory cues, regular exercise, medications, and staying calm and focused, individuals with Parkinson’s can reduce the frequency and severity of freezing episodes and enjoy a better quality of life.
