Bradykinesia due to paraquat exposure

As one of the primary symptoms that a doctor uses in diagnosing Parkinson's disease, bradykinesia, or slowness of movement, emerges early at the very first stages of the disorder. Since it is typically unpredictable, meaning that one moment you can move with ease, and in the next, you may require help, it can become particularly frustrating.

Bradykinesia entails that someone diagnosed with Parkinson's may:

• walk with short, shuffling steps
• have a lack of coordination
• find it takes longer to do certain activities
• have difficulty initiating actions and performing everyday functions
• endure abnormal stillness or a decrease in facial expressions
• undergo general slowness in physical or mental responses
• have trouble with dexterity or speech functions
• bear difficulty or hesitation in initiating movement
• experience reduced automatic movements, like blinking or swinging one's arms when walking

As the disease progresses, bradykinesia can worsen, and a person can become increasingly less able to move and respond.

Bradykinesia and paraquat exposure

Bradykinesia is a key indicator of a Parkinson's diagnosis. Moreover, it can affect individuals in different ways and occur along with several other adverse effects, such as:

• muscle weakness, rigidity, or tremors
• dragging a foot while walking
• difficulty performing repetitive tasks
• trouble swallowing
• a "sequence effect," in which movement patterns can change during an activity

While it is a movement disorder, Parkinson's disease can also generate non-movement symptoms that consist of cognitive impairment, depression, or sleep troubles. Regrettably, there is no cure for this condition.

As one of the early signs of Parkinson's, bradykinesia results from reduced dopamine levels in the brain, and one of the causes is prolonged exposure to paraquat. Among those at high risk of coming to struggle with this condition are agricultural workers mixing, filling, or applying this dangerous substance.

Paraquat is a fast-acting, non-selective herbicide that is highly toxic and, once ingested, can prove fatal. It carries severe health risks, one of the most debilitating being the development of Parkinson's disease.

If you or someone you know has worked with or been around this chemical in the past years, it is essential to see a medical professional, especially if experiencing slowness of movement, since it needs to be accurately diagnosed. Furthermore, if you were exposed to paraquat and came to struggle with Parkinson's disease, you may be eligible to financial compensation from the liable manufacturers.

Atraxia Law can help you file a paraquat exposure claim

Since it is a progressive nervous system disorder, Parkinson's symptoms worsen over time. For this reason, seeking medical help as soon as you or your family members receive a Parkinson's disease diagnosis is crucial, as the process of establishing claim eligibility is complex and tedious.

The sooner you reach out to Atraxia Law's team of professionals, the more time we will have to assess your situation. Nonetheless, the evaluation process will require minimal involvement on your part, as we will thoroughly handle all elements of the claim on your behalf.

Make sure to get in touch with us right away, and we will provide any additional information.