Recognizing the subtle yet critical distinctions between Parkinson’s disease and Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) might be a challenging task for healthcare professionals. This is because these neurological conditions share some common signs, such as involuntary movements and speech difficulties. However, understanding their unique presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Learning about the signs could also help curate the right treatment plan. Here are seven similar early signs between Parkinson’s and TD that are often overlooked. Anxiety Both Parkinson’s and TD can enhance anxiety levels in affected individuals. Managing not only the motor symptoms but also the emotional well-being of patients is crucial for their comprehensive care. Impaired gait People with Parkinson’s disease and TD might also experience impaired gait. In Parkinson’s, it results in a shuffling, hesitant walk due to muscle rigidity, and balance problems. In TD, abnormal, jerky limb and trunk movements disrupt coordination, leading to an unsteady gait. These gait disturbances significantly affect mobility and daily life. Problems with speech Parkinson’s and TD often lead to pronounced speech difficulties due to involuntary movements affecting the tongue, lips, and facial muscles. This results in slurred speech, articulation challenges, and difficulties forming words, severely impeding effective communication. Akathisia Akathisia or feeling of restlessness, poses a shared challenge in people with Parkinson’s and TD.

Brittle bone disease, medically known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), is a rare genetic disorder that affects one in about 20,000 people. Marked by fragile bones prone to fractures and deformities, the condition often presents a unique set of challenges, and identifying it early in children is crucial for their well-being. While some symptoms of OI are obvious, others are hidden, making early diagnosis a complex task. Here are 6 signs that should prompt one to seek immediate medical attention. 6 signs to look for Blue sclera The sclera is the whites of the eyes. In brittle bone disease, the sclera may appear to be discolored, with a bluish, purple, or gray tint. This is due to the thinness of the sclera, which allows the underlying blood vessels to show through. Dental issues Children with brittle bone disease often experience dental problems, including brittle, discolored, or misaligned teeth and a high susceptibility to cavities. While dental changes are common in children, if a child repeatedly presents with dental issues, it may be a hidden sign of brittle bone disease. Hearing loss Parents should be vigilant if their child exhibits signs of hearing difficulty. OI can also lead to hearing problems, which might not be immediately associated with bone fragility.

Myasthenia gravis is a condition that weakens the voluntary muscles, making them tire easily. It develops when the communication between nerves and muscles breaks down. While there is no permanent cure for myasthenia gravis, treatment can help ease the symptoms. Further, recognizing the signs and seeking an early diagnosis can help one better manage the condition. So, here is a look at some of the key signs of myasthenia gravis:  1. Drooping eyelids More than half of those with myasthenia gravis experience eye-related issues as the first sign of the condition. Here, drooping of one or both eyelids, called ptosis, can be a common sign. One may also experience other symptoms associated with the eyes, like diplopia (double vision), which could make one see dual horizontal or vertical images. 2. Difficulty with speech Speech-related issues could indicate the onset of myasthenia gravis. This could include a hypernasal voice or slurred speech (dysarthria), which is usually observed in younger people diagnosed with the condition. 3. Trouble chewing Difficulty eating or chewing can be a sign of myasthenia gravis. Here, the muscles that help one chew food can tire halfway through a meal. This symptom can seem more prominent while eating something hard to chew, like a steak.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition characterized by the inability of the pancreas to produce and release enough enzymes into the small intestine to digest food properly. Various health conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis, can cause EPI. Due to the lack of enough pancreatic enzymes to break down foods, one might experience symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Understanding these warning signs is crucial for early diagnosis and management. Causes Damage to the pancreas is the most common cause of EPI. Inflammation of the pancreas is a key contributor, which could also trigger swelling. With time, chronic inflammation may damage pancreatic cells that make the digestive enzymes. Other potential causes include Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, pancreatic cancer, and surgery on the digestive tract. Symptoms People with EPI may have trouble absorbing fats from foods, resulting in abdominal pain, gas, and bloating. Other symptoms include diarrhea, fatty stools, and unexplained body mass loss. Some people might also feel full even after eating small meals. Management options A healthy meal plan A health expert might recommend a high-calorie, high-fat meal regime to help the body absorb more nutrients. The professional may also suggest eating six small meals daily instead of the traditional three.

The outermost layer of the body, the skin, is a vital body part. It protects the body from external agents, acts as a sensory organ, and regulates body temperature. So, it’s important to diagnose any skin conditions promptly. Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes thick patches, or plaque, to develop on the skin. While there isn’t a specific cure for the condition, timely intervention can help manage the symptoms of plaque psoriasis. Causes and risk factors While there isn’t much clarity on what exactly causes plaque psoriasis, there may be certain risk factors . Genetic factors Over 20% of those with psoriasis report having a family member with the condition. Moreover, if both of one’s parents have plaque psoriasis, one has about a 50% chance of contracting it. Food sensitivities and allergies Allergic reactions or sensitivities to certain foods or food types, such as red meat, gluten, and nightshades, may cause or flare up plaque psoriasis. Stress One of the most common causes of plaque psoriasis is stress. The condition can further increase one’s stress levels, creating  a vicious cycle. Symptoms of plaque psoriasis Itchy skin Plaque psoriasis is synonymous with dry, itchy skin or scaly plaques that develop on the elbows, knees, scalp, or lower back.

Vitiligo is a condition that causes the skin to lose its color or pigmentation due to a lack of melanin-producing cells. It affects around 1% of the world’s population, and people of all skin types can develop the condition. While not dangerous or contagious, vitiligo causes visible symptoms that those affected may want to minimize or manage as much as possible. So, it’s important to understand key facts about the condition and consult a dermatologist. Symptoms While the condition may start at any age, its symptoms generally appear before the age of 30. – Patches of depigmented skin (usually seen around the hands and face in the early stages) – Premature whitening or greying of facial hair – Loss of color in the mucous membranes Causes Vitiligo develops when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop functioning, resulting in a loss of color in the hair and skin. There is no clear explanation for what causes a lack of such cells, but the condition is believed to be linked to immune system disorders, hereditary problems, or trigger events such as stress, severe sunburn, or other skin trauma. Direct contact with phenol-containing chemicals could also increase the risk of this condition. Management Treatment is not typically necessary for vitiligo, as it is considered a cosmetic condition.

Vitiligo is a condition that makes certain areas of the skin lose their natural color or pigmentation. Its symptoms can develop in a few patches on the skin or across the surface. While the condition is considered mostly harmless when it comes to physical health, it has visible symptoms that can be managed. Knowing the potential causes of the condition and all available management options can help one find appropriate treatment for vitiligo. Causes Vitiligo is a condition wherein melanocytes, the cells that produce the skin pigment, die or stop making the pigment. The areas where the activity of melanocytes stops become lighter or white in color . While the exact reason for this change in pigment production is unknown, a few likely risk factors have been determined. 1. Autoimmune disorder Certain autoimmune disorders could be the possible cause of the condition. Such a disorder develops when the immune system starts attacking healthy cells, mistaking them for foreign invaders. In the case of vitiligo, the immune system could attack and kill the healthy melanocytes, which leads to skin depigmentation. 2. Family history Another possible risk factor for vitiligo is family history and genetics. So, those with a family member dealing with the condition are more likely to develop it.