Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that primarily affects movement.

While tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement) are the most commonly recognized symptoms, there are several less common signs that individuals with Parkinson’s may experience. These uncommon signs may not be as well-known, but they are important to recognize as they can greatly impact an individual’s quality of life and overall well-being.

1. Sleep Disturbances

Disturbed sleep patterns are commonly observed in people with Parkinson’s disease. They may experience insomnia, restlessness, vivid dreams, excessive daytime sleepiness, or sudden movements during sleep (known as REM sleep behavior disorder).

Sleep disturbances can significantly impact an individual’s energy levels and may lead to increased daytime fatigue.

2. Speech and Swallowing Difficulties

Problems with speech and swallowing can also be seen in some individuals with Parkinson’s disease. They may speak softly, slur their words, or experience difficulty initiating speech.

Swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, can make it harder to eat and drink safely, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia if not managed properly.

3. Cognitive Changes

Although Parkinson’s disease primarily affects movement, it can also lead to cognitive changes. Some individuals may experience problems with memory, attention, executive function, and even develop dementia in later stages.

These cognitive changes can have a significant impact on daily activities and require additional care and support.

4. Mood Disorders

Depression and anxiety are common in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. It is believed that the neurological changes in the brain, as well as the impact on quality of life, contribute to the development of mood disorders.

Recognizing and treating these mental health conditions is important to ensure overall well-being.

5. Loss of Sense of Smell

One of the early signs of Parkinson’s disease is a loss of the sense of smell, medically known as anosmia. Individuals may notice a decreased ability to detect certain odors or even a complete loss of smell.

This symptom may appear years before other motor symptoms become noticeable, making it a potential early indicator of the condition.

6. Orthostatic Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension refers to low blood pressure that occurs when standing up from a seated or lying position. It can result in dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or an increased risk of falls.

Some individuals with Parkinson’s may experience orthostatic hypotension, which can impact their mobility and overall safety.

7. Gastrointestinal Issues

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease may experience problems with their gastrointestinal system, such as constipation, bloating, or difficulty in swallowing.

These issues can further affect their nutritional intake and digestive health, leading to additional complications if not managed properly.

8. Freezing of Gait

Freezing of gait is a phenomenon where individuals with Parkinson’s disease suddenly find themselves unable to initiate or continue walking. Their feet feel stuck to the ground, leading to a temporary loss of mobility.

Freezing of gait can significantly impact an individual’s independence and increase the risk of falls.

9. Vision Problems

Parkinson’s disease can also affect visual perception and lead to various vision problems. Some individuals may experience blurred vision, difficulty in judging distances, or even hallucinations.

Regular eye examinations and appropriate visual aids can help manage these issues effectively.

10. Sensory Symptoms

Uncommon sensory symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, or pain, can occur in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

These symptoms can be difficult to attribute to the condition but can significantly affect an individual’s comfort and quality of life.

Uncommon Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.

While the most well-known symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking, there are several uncommon signs that individuals with MS may experience. Recognizing these uncommon signs is crucial as early detection and proper management can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

1. Heat Intolerance

Heat intolerance is a common but often overlooked symptom in individuals with MS. Exposure to heat, such as hot baths, showers, or even warm weather, can exacerbate existing symptoms and cause temporary neurological deficits.

Cooling strategies, such as using air conditioning or cooling vests, can help manage this symptom effectively.

2. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a relatively less recognized symptom of MS but can significantly impact an individual’s daily life. It can manifest as stabbing or burning sensations, muscle spasms, or general discomfort.

Proper pain management techniques, including medications and physical therapy, can help alleviate this symptom.

3. Cognitive Changes

Similar to Parkinson’s disease, individuals with MS can experience cognitive changes. These changes may include difficulties with memory, attention, problem-solving, and information processing.

Cognitive rehabilitation and the use of strategies to compensate for these deficits can mitigate their impact on daily functioning.

4. Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is a less commonly discussed symptom of MS but can affect both men and women. It can involve decreased libido, erectile dysfunction in men, or difficulty reaching orgasm in women.

Open communication with healthcare professionals and possible interventions can help manage this aspect of MS effectively.

5. Visual Disturbances

Optic neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve, is a well-known symptom of MS. It can result in blurred vision, double vision, or even temporary vision loss.

Additionally, individuals with MS may also experience other visual disturbances, such as nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) or difficulty with depth perception.

6. Tremors and Shaking

While tremors are often associated with Parkinson’s disease, they can also occur in individuals with MS. Tremors in MS are usually intention tremors, meaning they occur during purposeful movement.

They can affect the arms, legs, or other body parts, and their severity may vary from person to person.

7. Vertigo

Vertigo, a sensation of spinning or dizziness, can occur in individuals with MS due to damage to the vestibular system. It can significantly impact balance and mobility and increase the risk of falls.

Specialized rehabilitation techniques, such as vestibular therapy, can help manage vertigo effectively.

8. Emotional and Mood Changes

MS can cause emotional and mood changes, including depression, anxiety, irritability, or emotional lability.

These changes may be a result of the impact of the disease on the central nervous system, as well as the psychological challenges of managing a chronic condition. Appropriate psychosocial support and therapy can be valuable in managing these emotional changes.

9. Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction

Bladder and bowel dysfunction, such as urinary urgency, frequency, or incontinence, and constipation or bowel incontinence are less common symptoms associated with MS.

These symptoms can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life and may require various management strategies, including medications, behavioral modifications, and pelvic floor exercises.

10. Respiratory Problems

In rare cases, individuals with advanced MS may develop respiratory problems due to muscle weakness and decreased lung capacity. This can lead to difficulty breathing, recurrent respiratory infections, and reduced physical endurance.

Regular pulmonary assessments and appropriate respiratory therapies are essential in managing these respiratory issues.