Both Parkinson’s dyskinesia and tremors are nervous system disorders. But an important distinction between them is that tremors have an autosomal dominant trait, whereas Parkinson’s dyskinesia does not have such a pattern of inheritance.
Another difference between the two is that tremors are bilateral and have low amplitude, prominent in the upper limbs, whereas Parkinson’s is a movement disorder. In later stages, the patient might develop cognitive impairments too.
Moreover, tremors are less disabling than other Parkinson’s symptoms, but are highly visible.
1. Parkinson’s dyskinesia
The loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain, which control voluntary movements and behavioral processes such as mood, addiction and stress, is the main cause of Parkinson’s disease. When one takes a medicine called Levodopa for a long time, the medicine starts replacing the dopamine produced by the brain cells. This medicine wears off very fast so it has to be taken many times during the day. As a result, it causes the rise and fall of dopamine, which, in turn, plays an important role in Parkinson’s dyskinesia. One can try and prevent this disease if one stays as healthy as possible, eats the right foods, sleeps well, and learns to manage stress.
The characteristic signs of Parkinson’s dyskinesia are:
2. Tremors
A non-intentional rhythmic movement is known as tremors. Tremors may be caused by a nerve problem, imbalanced thyroid hormones, certain medicines, or caffeine and alcohol. It can be temporary or permanent and it may return with time. Sometimes, tremors might get worse with stress and can occur at any age; however, they commonly occur in the elderly. Tremors can occur in any part of the body including the head, neck, face, thumb, or arm.
Tremors can occur when one is resting or moving. Anxiety or extreme emotions can also cause tremors. Things like reaching out for something or speaking and writing can also trigger this. The risk of tremors increases if one has a family history of Parkinson’s disease, thyroid problems, or liver failure. Mild tremors might not need medication but treatment is required if the tremors are caused due to some disorder, such as thyroid hormone disorder. It is not a life-threatening disorder, unless it prevents a person from caring for themselves. Most people live a normal life with this condition.
The signs shown by people with tremors are:
Based on the signs and symptoms a doctor would be able to distinguish between Parkinson’s dyskinesia and tremors.