According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremors, constipation, speech changes, and muscle stiffness, among others.
For years, contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune resulted in debilitating illnesses for the people that lived and worked there. One of the most debilitating conditions that is linked to Camp Lejeune is Parkinson’s disease. If you were affected by Parkinson’s disease linked to Camp Lejeune, you are entitled to pursue legal compensation.
Symptoms You May Suffer Because of Parkinson’s Disease
There are different symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. This disease can drastically alter the way you move your body or speak. While this condition often impacts individual areas of your body at first, it can progress to affect multiple bodily functions.
You may be living with Parkinson’s disease due to exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune. Our Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer can help you recover compensation.
Some of the common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
Tremors
One of the earliest signs of Parkinson’s disease is tremors. Some consider this the most common sign of the condition. This uncontrolled, rhythmic shaking typically begins in a person’s limb. More often than not, the shaking starts with an individual’s fingers or hands.
The important thing to consider is whether or not there are other explanations for tremors in your body. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, there are other reasons that tremors might occur in parts of your body. Some examples include certain medications, stress, or intense exercise.
Constipation
Difficulty with bowel movements is another potential sign of Parkinson’s disease. This is often an early sign, although due to how common constipation is it might not immediately set off a warning in your mind.
Numerous other factors can lead to constipation, including the amount of fiber in your diet or any medication you regularly use. It is important to mention constipation to your doctor when you are also living with other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Loss of Smell
One of the unusual symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is the loss of sense of smell. However, this can be only a partial loss for many people. You should speak with a doctor about your loss of smell to confirm whether or not it is related to Parkinson’s disease.
Speech Changes
Changes to your speech is another sign of advancing Parkinson’s disease. These changes can vary from one person to another. Many people find themselves speaking in an unusually soft or low voice. Some voices become raspy and hoarse.
You may also experience slurred speech or hesitation when trying to speak. While this can result from any number of causes, it is another sign of Parkinson’s disease.
Muscle Stiffness
Muscle stiffness, or rigidity, is not unique to Parkinson’s disease, but it is a common symptom. This stiffness can impact any part of your body. In general, this symptom involves the unexplained contraction of your muscles. This stiffness could make it difficult to move or walk, especially if it affects your legs.
Stiffness can also impact the way your arms swing while you walk. Muscle stiffness related to exercise or physical injuries usually loosens up as you walk. If that is not the case, it could be a sign of Parkinson’s disease.
Muscle stiffness is a factor in another symptom of Parkinson’s disease known as bradykinesia. Also known as slow movement, bradykinesia could greatly reduce your foot speed or make once-simple tasks difficult and time-consuming.
Dizziness
Another symptom of Parkinson’s disease that is often mistaken for some other health issue is dizziness or fainting. You can become dizzy for countless reasons, including inner ear infections or dehydration. However, Parkinson’s disease could result in low blood pressure. This could in turn lead to fainting or dizziness.
Impaired Balance or Posture
A severe symptom of Parkinson’s disease is the impairment of your balance or posture. At first, this could involve your posture slowly becoming stooped or hunched. Over time, these issues could become challenges related to your balance. You may find it difficult to maintain your balance while standing. In some cases, you might not be able to stand on your own at all due to the severity of your Parkinson’s disease.
Talk to an Attorney About Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease Related to Camp Lejeune
On their own, many of these symptoms can be attributed to a wide range of other health issues. It’s important to consider the entire picture of your health. If you are living with more than one of these conditions, it could be time to talk to your doctor about Parkinson’s disease. This is especially true if you lived on or near Camp Lejeune from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s.
Multiple symptoms of Parkinson’s disease entitle you to compensation. If you believe you have a viable claim for compensation due to exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune, Ben Crump Law, PLLC is here to help. Reach out as soon as possible for your free consultation.
