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)

Parkinson's disease is best recognized by a resting tremor, which is classically described as pill-rolling. This tremor occurs when the limb is at rest and involves the thumb and finger moving together as if rolling a small pill. It’s the hallmark feature that stands out because it’s most characteristic of the disease, especially early on, and it tends to lessen with purposeful movement.

You may also see a masked facial expression and reduced arm swing during walking, reflecting bradykinesia and rigidity, but these signs are supportive rather than as distinctive as the resting tremor. A waddling gait isn’t typical for Parkinson’s; the usual gait tends to be shuffling with small steps and sometimes festination, rather than a broad-based waddling pattern.