What a journey — going in for one thing and coming out with a life-changing diagnosis. That takes a lot to process, and it's completely okay to feel overwhelmed by it all.
Freezing of gait is actually a well-recognized symptom of Parkinson's. It's that sudden, brief inability to move your feet, almost like they're glued to Show Full Answer
What a journey — going in for one thing and coming out with a life-changing diagnosis. That takes a lot to process, and it's completely okay to feel overwhelmed by it all.
Freezing of gait is actually a well-recognized symptom of Parkinson's. It's that sudden, brief inability to move your feet, almost like they're glued to the floor. It can happen when starting to walk or passing through narrow spaces like doorways. The falls you've experienced are also very common with this symptom. Several factors can contribute to fall risk, including:
- Freezing of gait — sudden inability to move
- Bradykinesia — slowness of movement and delayed reaction time
- Postural instability — trouble maintaining balance
- Reduced reflexes — difficulty catching yourself when off-balance
The good news is there are strategies to help reduce fall risk and manage freezing episodes. It's really worth having a detailed conversation with your neurologist about what you've been experiencing, including how often freezing occurs and when falls happen. Asking for a referral to a movement disorder specialist, if you don't already have one, can also be really helpful. They specialize specifically in Parkinson's and can tailor a treatment plan to your needs.
You're not alone in this — many others have been exactly where you are right now.
April 27
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