Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis are two neurological disorders that impact the central nervous system.

While both diseases have their established set of symptoms, there are many unusual symptoms that people with these disorders may experience that are less talked about.

Unusual Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

1. Loss of Sense of Smell

Loss of smell is one of the very first signs of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease affects the part of the brain that controls the sense of smell, leading to people losing their sense of smell.

This loss can be so gradual that they may not even notice it until it is almost completely gone.

2. Sleep Disorders

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience sleep disorders, such as REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), which causes people to act out their dreams violently. This can cause them to punch, kick or even jump out of bed while they are asleep.

Another common sleep disorder associated with Parkinson’s disease is insomnia.

3. Hallucinations

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience hallucinations. These can be visual, such as seeing things that aren’t there, or auditory, such as hearing things that aren’t there.

This can be particularly distressing for the person and their loved ones.

4. Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a condition in which a person has difficulty swallowing. This can be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease and can occur due to weak muscles in the throat, leading to choking and aspiration.

5. Fatigue

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience fatigue, even after getting a good night’s sleep. This can affect their ability to complete daily tasks and can cause frustration and exhaustion.

Unusual Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

1. Lhermitte’s Sign

Lhermitte’s sign is a sensation of electric shock that radiates down the spine and into the limbs when the neck is flexed forward. This can be a sign of nerve damage in people with multiple sclerosis.

2. Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes severe facial pain, usually on one side of the face. This can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis and can be triggered by simple everyday activities such as brushing teeth or touching the face.

3. Uhthoff’s Syndrome

Uhthoff’s syndrome is a condition that causes temporary worsening of symptoms when a person becomes overheated or exercises. This can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis and is due to the demyelination of nerves.

4. Paroxysmal Symptoms

Paroxysmal symptoms are sudden, brief episodes of neurological symptoms. These can include spasms, tremors, or weakness of the limbs and can be triggered by simple activities such as coughing or laughing.