Parkinson's disease is a degenerative condition that affects the central nervous system. Early symptoms of the disease include problems with movement, including unexplained shaking and tremors as well as difficulty walking; as the disease progresses, it may cause problems with thinking, behavior, and memory.
Diagnosis Difficulties
Because the onset of Parkinson's disease may be gradual at first, it can be difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis. The difficulty in diagnosing Parkinson's is compounded by the fact that there is no specific test for the disease, and the symptoms you experience are similar to those of other conditions. For example, a doctor may ascribe the weakness you're experiencing to osteoporosis, or you may have Parkinson's that does not present with the tremor that many believe is characteristic of the disease.
Steps of Diagnosis
Typically, the first diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is made by either your family physician or an internal medicine specialist. He or she will take a full neurological history and ask questions about the symptoms that you're experiencing. Some of these questions may include information about your movement and mobility, any stiffness you're experiencing in your extremities, and any other unusual symptoms. He or she will also observe your movements while sitting, walking, and standing.
In addition to this observation, the doctor will rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as stroke or hydrocephalus. In some cases, you will have other imaging tests, such as a PET scan, CT scan, or MRI, in order to rule out other neurological conditions. At some point in this process, your doctor will likely refer you to a neurologist who specializes in Parkinson's disease.
In assessing these symptoms, the doctor typically uses a tool called the United Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). This scale was designed as a method to comprehensively assess symptoms and rate the likelihood that they are associated with Parkinson's disease, as well as compare the symptoms to those you are experiencing at the time of future follow-up appointments.
If Parkinson's disease is suspected, your doctor may support the diagnosis by prescribing a medication called Levodopa, which restores dopamine levels in the brain. If this medication reduces your symptoms, then a diagnosis of Parkinson's is confirmed. Your doctor will continue to see you for regular follow-up visits to assess your symptoms and determine how the disease is progressing.
While researchers are working to find a biological marker that indicates Parkinson's disease through a blood test or other means of diagnosis, this method is still in the future. If you want to learn more about Parkinson's disease, visit the Parkinson's Disease Foundation online at pdf.org.
