Symptom perception

About Parkinson's and health Symptoms
1

Stupid question… what’s the difference between having an off and bradykinesia

2

The reason I ask is that recently I’ve had a different feeling when I stop. The sensation in my legs if I try to move them it’s like there is another set of muscles fighting to stop them. In hindsight this has been since my Ropinerole XL was swapped out for dermal patches

3

Hi @Lanier

Thanks for your message and don’t worry, that’s not a stupid question at all!

We have some information about Slowness of movement (Bradykinesia) and some information about wearing off on our website which you might find helpful.

You may also want to contact our helpline on 0808 800 0303 or by emailing [email protected]. They are open 9am-7pm Monday to Friday and made up of trained advisers, including Parkinson’s nurses who will be able to offer you information and support so do give them a call if you wish.

Best wishes,
Emily - Moderation Team

4

@EmilyDell

Thanks Emily - to clarify what I’m saying, what’s the line between the two?

I’m stood at the fridge immobile except that I can very slowly slide my foot across the floor. Am I suffering an off or is it bradykinesia.

5

Hi @Lanier ,

It is not always easy to distinguish between Parkinson’s symptoms. Bradykinesia is the medical term for slowness of movement and wearing off is described as motor fluctuations which usually happen as a result of levodopa wearing off, but they can happen at other times too.

For a more detailed explanation and specific advice related to your symptoms, I would recommend getting in touch with your GP or Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist. You can also contact our helpline on 0808 800 0303 or by emailing [email protected] as they will be able to offer you more information and support so do give them a call if you wish.

Best wishes,

Emily - Moderation Team

6

@EmilyDell

It’s really the discussing it with my PD nurse that threw the question up really. We’re trying to tweak my medications to get round the times I can’t move (which I’d always previously thought of as an “off”) would we have a different route if it was bradykinesia?
The crux of the matter I guess is whatever “it” is it would indicate levodopa levels going too low which makes it even more confusing as it passes (sometimes in minutes sometimes in hours) without any top up of medication