Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms: What Is ‘Freezing’?

This video from the National Parkinson Foundation explains what “freezing” is in Parkinson’s disease patients. Freezing is when a patient temporarily freezes in one spot and it usually occurs when they stand up to walk or change momentum while walking. Their feet may also jitter a few times before they can move forward.

MORE: Eleven facts about Parkinson’s disease you may not know.

Freezing can also occur in arm and hand movements. Some patients may experience cognitive freezing where they lose their thought or momentarily forget what they are doing halfway through an activity. Speech freezing is also very common when a patient will not be able to get the words out in a fluid flow and may stutter over certain words.

MORE: Parkinson’s disease patient explains his deep brain stimulation treatment.

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