Hoehn and Yahr Stage III is described as which?

Hoehn and Yahr Stage III is described as which?

• A. Unilateral symptoms, minimal disability.
• B. Bilateral symptoms, no postural instability.
• C. Bilateral symptoms, postural instability, physically independent.
• D. Severe disability, requires some assistance but can stand/walk unassisted.

Answer: (C)

Hoehn and Yahr stages describe how Parkinson’s motor symptoms progress and how that affects daily function. Stage III means the disease is now on both sides of the body (bilateral) and there is postural instability, which increases the risk of falls. Despite this, the person remains physically independent and can walk and perform daily activities without assistance. This combination—bilateral involvement with balance problems but maintained independence—is the defining feature of this stage, sitting between earlier stages with no postural instability and later stages where independence becomes limited.

Hoehn and Yahr stages describe how Parkinson’s motor symptoms progress and how that affects daily function. Stage III means the disease is now on both sides of the body (bilateral) and there is postural instability, which increases the risk of falls. Despite this, the person remains physically independent and can walk and perform daily activities without assistance. This combination—bilateral involvement with balance problems but maintained independence—is the defining feature of this stage, sitting between earlier stages with no postural instability and later stages where independence becomes limited.