Parkinson's Disease: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you have sudden weakness, numbness, loss of balance, altered speech, or vision problems. These could be signs of a stroke. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease develop slowly over months.

If you think you may have symptoms of Parkinson's disease, see your doctor. Urgent medical care is not needed if you have had a tremor for some time. However, you should discuss the tremor at your next doctor's appointment. If a tremor is affecting your daily activities or if it is a new symptom, see your doctor sooner.

If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, call your doctor if:

• You notice any significant change in your symptoms, such as severe episodes of freezing—a sudden loss of mobility—which may affect walking.
• Your response to your medicine changes.
• Any other complications occur.
• You have symptoms of depression.
• You or your family notice that you have problems with memory and thinking ability.

If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, you will need to see members of your health care team regularly (every 3 to 6 months, or as directed) for adjustments in your treatment as your condition changes.

Watchful Waiting

If you notice a tremor developing, watch and record its development. Discuss it with your doctor at the next possible opportunity. A written description will help your doctor make a correct diagnosis. In writing your description, consider the following questions:

• Did the tremor start suddenly or gradually?
• What makes it worse or better?
• What parts of your body are affected?
• Have there been any recent changes in the medicines you are taking or how much you are taking?

For more questions that will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis, read about medical history and Parkinson's disease.

Who To See

The following health professionals can help diagnose or treat Parkinson's disease:

• Family doctor
• Internist
• Neurologist

Other health professionals who may be involved in your care include:

• Physical therapist.
• Occupational therapist.
• Speech therapist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	December 13, 2006
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC