Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative nervous system disorder where the neurons that produce dopamine in the substantia nigra of the brain are affected. Dopamine helps in maintaining smooth and coordinated body movements. So, when the production of dopamine is affected, it results in abnormal functioning of the nerves, thereby losing the ability to control body movements. It is a progressive disease wherein the motor abilities are slowly stripped away resulting in tremors, lack of balance, stiffness in the limbs, and slow gait.

Experiencing tremors is one of the common symptoms of Parkinson’s, however it can also be caused by dyskinesia:

• Tremors with Parkinson’s: Usually your fingers or hand may start shaking in rhythmic oscillations, when at rest. Tremors improve as soon as you start moving your muscles.
• Dyskinesia: is an involuntary, disorderly movement that is not controllable and occurs on one side of the body in general. Dyskinesia occurs in the later stages of Parkinson’s, as a side effect of the drug levodopa, which is used to treat the disease.

1. Tremors vs. dyskinesia
Tremors and dyskinesia are two types of involuntary movements that are uncontrollable, but they have unique causes and result in different kinds of movement. It is important to make the right diagnosis and differentiate between the two as it can alter treatment decisions profoundly.

2. Treatment options
If you are suffering from Parkinson’s disease and dyskinesia, the treatment would be to lower the dose of levodopa. However, if you are suffering from tremors, you need to increase the dose of levodopa or other dopamine agonists. If the wrong decision is made and your dose of levodopa is reduced when you have tremors instead of dyskinesia, it will make your tremors worse. Alternatively, if your levodopa dose is increased when you have dyskinesia, it will aggravate it. This is why you need the right diagnosis so that the treatment doesn’t make your condition worse.

3. Diagnosis
Sometimes your doctor will ask you to video yourself at home whenever you experience any kind of abnormal movement, so that they can see what the movement looks like and diagnose it accurately. Wearable devices are also used to diagnose and differentiate between the two.

4. Dyskinesia vs. tremors symptoms
The following will help you understand whether you have dyskinesia or tremors:

• Tremors are regular, rhythmic movements that are like oscillations.
• Dyskinesia is a very irregular and disorderly movement.
• Tremors stop when you move that particular limb or muscle and engage in some physical activity.
• Dyskinesia does not stop with movement or activity.
• Tremors start when your limbs or muscles are in a resting position.
• Dyskinesia does not depend on needing to be in a resting position for it to start. It can start whether you are in a resting position or moving.
• Tremors usually affect your hands, feet, jaw, and head.
• Dyskinesia usually affects the same side of your body that is affected by Parkinson’s disease.
• Tremors are a symptom of Parkinson’s disease and is not caused by drugs.
• Dyskinesia is a side effect of the medication levodopa that is used to treat Parkinson’s.