Parkinson's Disease Community

Sensory complaints in PD are not uncommon, and include visual changes, loss of sense of smell, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and pain. Changes in vision may result from alteration in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color discrimination, motion perception, peripheral visual field sensitivity and visual processing speed. Visual acuity can be improved with corrective glasses. Contrast sensitivity and color discrimination is important - especially if you are having trouble with freezing. To help with this problem, try increasing the light in the room, and consider using brighter patterns - sorry I cannot write a prescription to pay for redecorating? Slower visual processing speed also leads to decline in visual perception, particularly for rapidly changing visual activity - birds flying or rapid action on TV. Unfortunately, there is little treatment for these symptoms, but a thorough vision examination will make sure that other eye diseases are not a problem.


Loss of sense of smell has been considered by some to be the earliest symptom of PD, and is seen in up to 90% of PD patients, and this increases as the disease advances. There is no treatment for this symptom.


Restless legs symptoms are commonly reported in PD, usually at the end of a dosing interval - "wearing off." Distinguishing between true RLS and wearing-off limb discomfort and restlessness can be difficult. Nonetheless, the first treatment would be trying to take your PD medication at regular intervals - and dosing prior to the onset of the uncomfortable symptoms. If this is not helpful, medications like clonazepam may be helpful.


Shoulder pain is known to be an early, sometimes initial symptom of PD. Other pain symptoms can be a common complaint in PD, however it is important to differentiate between dystonic (muscle cramping) versus non-dystonic pain. Pain associated with dystonia is likely related to low blood levodopa levels, and responds to levodopa therapy. Non-dystonic pain (numbness, tingling, burning, aching, coldness, heat and pain) in PD is poorly understood and difficult to treat. Sometimes this also responds to treatment with PD medications, and may simply be treated with over the counter drugs like tylenol or ibuprofen. If these do not work, discuss the symptoms with your doctor.