Symptom 4: Postural Instability – Balance and Coordination Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease
Postural instability in Parkinson’s disease is a deceptive symptom, revealing itself gradually, often in the later stages of the disease. It is as if the body’s innate sense of balance has gone astray, creating a struggle to maintain an upright posture and causing an unsteady gait.
Patients often describe feeling as though they’re being pulled forward or backward while standing or walking. The feet that once stood firm seem unreliable, threatening to give way unexpectedly. This symptom becomes most apparent when a patient tries to stop or turn, which can lead to stumbling or falling.
The pull of gravity, once a grounded constant, now becomes an adversary. The fear of falling is not unfounded, as falls are a common consequence of this symptom and can lead to severe injuries, necessitating hospitalization.
More than the physical danger, postural instability can cast a shadow on an individual’s confidence. The constant worry of losing balance and the resulting caution can isolate people, causing them to withdraw from activities they once enjoyed. (4)
