Parkinson disease is characterized by which of the following cardinal signs?

Parkinson disease is characterized by which of the following cardinal signs?

• A. Edema
• B. Tremor
• C. Fever
• D. Cough

Answer: (B)

Tremor at rest is a hallmark motor feature of Parkinson disease. It typically presents as a pill‑rolling tremor of the fingers and hand, often starting on one side and more prominent when the person is at rest. This rest tremor reflects the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the resulting imbalance in basal ganglia circuits, which drives the other common motor problems—rigidity and slowed movement (bradykinesia). The other options—edema, fever, and cough—are not characteristic motor signs of Parkinson disease and point to different conditions such as fluid overload, infection, or respiratory issues.

Tremor at rest is a hallmark motor feature of Parkinson disease. It typically presents as a pill‑rolling tremor of the fingers and hand, often starting on one side and more prominent when the person is at rest. This rest tremor reflects the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the resulting imbalance in basal ganglia circuits, which drives the other common motor problems—rigidity and slowed movement (bradykinesia). The other options—edema, fever, and cough—are not characteristic motor signs of Parkinson disease and point to different conditions such as fluid overload, infection, or respiratory issues.