Parkinson’s disease: initial presentation

Abstract

In 1817, James Parkinson described a ‘shaking palsy’ that subsequently took his name. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological condition that has a profound impact on a sufferer’s quality of life. It is common condition that will affect around 1 in 40 of us in our lifetimes. Early diagnosis results in treatment to reduce symptoms and preserve quality of life, but also enables planning for the future. Most patients with Parkinson’s disease will initially present to their GP. This article explains why diagnosis can be difficult and provides a guide to possible features that might trigger referral for specialist diagnosis.