Which sign is a classic feature of Parkinson's disease?

Which sign is a classic feature of Parkinson's disease?

• A. Blank affect
• B. Decreased ability to swing arms
• C. Pill-rolling tremor
• D. Waddling gait

Answer: (C)

Resting tremor is a defining feature of Parkinson's disease, reflecting relaxed, involuntary shaking that appears when the limb is at rest and often diminishes with purposeful movement. The classic description is a pill-rolling tremor, where the thumb and fingers move as if rolling a small pill. This specific resting tremor is strongly characteristic of the condition and frequently highlighted in clinical exams because it helps distinguish Parkinson's from other movement issues. Other signs like a blank facial expression can occur, but they are not as diagnostic on their own. A decreased arm swing can accompany the disorder due to bradykinesia, and a waddling gait points more toward proximal muscle weakness or other gait disturbances, not the hallmark tremor pattern of Parkinson's.

Resting tremor is a defining feature of Parkinson's disease, reflecting relaxed, involuntary shaking that appears when the limb is at rest and often diminishes with purposeful movement. The classic description is a pill-rolling tremor, where the thumb and fingers move as if rolling a small pill. This specific resting tremor is strongly characteristic of the condition and frequently highlighted in clinical exams because it helps distinguish Parkinson's from other movement issues.

Other signs like a blank facial expression can occur, but they are not as diagnostic on their own. A decreased arm swing can accompany the disorder due to bradykinesia, and a waddling gait points more toward proximal muscle weakness or other gait disturbances, not the hallmark tremor pattern of Parkinson's.