Parkinson’s disease is a condition that damages the brain over a long period of time, said the NHS.
It’s caused by a loss of nerve cells in a specific part of the brain. The cells are used to transmit messages from the brain to the nervous system.
Parkinson’s symptoms tend to develop slowly over a long period of time, and only appear as mild at first.
You could be at risk of the neurodegenerative condition if you often feel dizzy after standing up, it’s been claimed.
Frequent dizziness or light-headedness could be a warning sign of Parkinson’s disease, warned charity The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research.
The symptom is likely to be felt shortly after standing up from a seated position, it said.
It’s caused by a condition known as orthostatic hypotension – a type of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down.
“Before you or a loved one was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you may have only been familiar with the tremor symptom.
“Unfortunately, the disease brings with it a range of symptoms, some visible and many not.
“And if you’re not aware that something is a Parkinson’s symptom, you may also not be aware that it can be treated.
“Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions, such as moving from sitting to standing that’s also a non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease.
“Orthostatic hypotension may cause lightheadedness and dizziness.”
The condition may last for less than a few minutes, and isn’t necessarily an overwhelming dizziness – it may only be mild, added the Mayo Clinic.
Other warning signs of orthostatic hypotension include blurry vision, weakness, and even nausea.
While occasional dizziness isn’t something to worry abut, you should speak to a doctor if you experience frequent symptoms, it said.
Meanwhile, the most common Parkinson’s disease symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness and slow movement.
Most patients start to develop their symptoms after turing 50 years old, and men are more at risk than women.
Speak to a GP if you’re worried about the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, said the NHS.
They may ask you about your symptoms, and could refer you to a specialist for further tests.
There are about 127,000 people in the UK with Parkinson’s disease – the equivalent to about one in 500 people.