Parkinson’s disease explained as Ozzy Osbourne opens up about diagnosis

Ozzy Osbourne, 71, has opened up about being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease on Good Morning America today.

The Prince of Darkness was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disorder after suffering health complications due to a fall last year.

After the fall he had to have surgery which "screwed all my nerves in" and he has now "got numbness down this arm from the surgery".

He continued: "My legs feel going cold, I don't what if that's Parkinson's or what… It's a weird feeling…"

The Black Sabbath legend admitted he had spent the last year in “constant” pain, describing it as the most “miserable time” of his life.

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Ozzy said he could no longer hide his health struggles, and that he was on a “whole host” of medication, to treat his nerve pain.

Here we take a closer look at the what Parkinson's disease is, and what the symptoms are.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that destroys all the cells in the part of the brain that controls movement.

It occurs in people who don’t have enough of the chemical dopamine, because some of the nerve cells that make it have died.

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, and no way to stop the progression.

However, there are several different treatments and therapies which can help manage the condition.

The main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease affect physical movement.

They include tremor, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness.

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But someone with Parkinson’s disease can also experience balance problems, nerve pain, dizziness, excessive sweating, depression and anxiety – and many other symptoms.

Ozzy explained to Robin Roberts it had been “terribly challenging for us all”.

The Rock Legend went on: “I had to have surgery on my neck which screwed all my nerves. I found out that I have a mild form of…”

His wife Sharon took over, and explained: “It’s PRKN 2, which is a form of Parkinson’s.

“There’s so many different types of Parkinson’s. It’s not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination, but it does effect certain nerves in your body.

“It’s like you have a good day, a good day, then a really bad day.”

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Following the news that Ozzy has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Steve Ford, Chief Executive at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Ozzy Osbourne bravely speaking about his Parkinson’s diagnosis and his journey to ‘owning it’ will do so much to raise awareness of this much misunderstood condition.

“With more than 40 symptoms, Parkinson’s is unpredictable and undoubtedly throws up new challenges, but with the right treatment and support we can help people to take control of their lives.

“Ozzy is now part of a community of 145,000 people in the UK who live with Parkinson’s and urgently need a breakthrough treatment, which we are getting closer to every day.

“We would encourage people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s to speak to their GP or specialist to explore the best options for treatment and managing their Parkinson’s.

“We wish Ozzy all the best.”

  • Ozzy Osbourne

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