Freezing, or a sudden loss of mobility, can be very disabling, especially when it affects walking. There are several tricks you can learn to help you become “unfrozen” when a freezing episode occurs.

• Step towards a specific target on the ground. Recently, some people have begun using handheld laser pointers to create a target.
• Place a cane or walking stick on the floor in front of you (or have someone else do it) and then step over it.
• Make your first step a precise, stiff-legged, marching-type step, with a long stride.

These or other techniques may help you overcome freezing and get moving again. Specially trained dogs and special devices are available that can help you if freezing is a severe or frequent problem.

Apomorphine (Apokyn) is a fast-acting dopamine agonist that seems to be helpful in treating freezing associated with Parkinson's disease. Apomorphine can be injected under the skin when muscles become "frozen." Apokyn can be taken with an antinausea drug to prevent side effects of severe nausea and vomiting.