Timely and accurate diagnosis are essential for effective management of Parkinson’s Disease. Even today, the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is based on neurological examination. According to one survey, the correct diagnosis is missed in almost 40% of the cases by routine neurologists and in 20% of cases by specialist neurologists. Our experience of more than 25 years in this field, makes us one of the best options for diagnosing this disease with high level of confidence and accuracy. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities also enable us to perform a comprehensive evaluation. The following is a broad outline of various stages of diagnosis.
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Clinical History and Physical Examination
The doctor reviews the patient’s medical history and performs a thorough physical examination, focusing on symptoms, their progression, and any family history of neurological disorders.
Specific motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, slowness of movement, rigidity, and postural instability, are observed during the examination.
A trial of Parkinson’s medication, like levodopa, may be prescribed to observe if symptoms improve, supporting the suspicion of Parkinson’s disease if there is a positive response.
A detailed neurological assessment includes testing reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, and sensory function.
This nuclear medicine imaging technique assesses the dopamine system in the brain, helping differentiate Parkinson’s disease from other movement disorders.
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
While not mandatory, an MRI scan may be recommended to rule out other possible causes and symptoms, such as tumors or strokes.
Blood tests may be conducted to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms to Parkinson’s disease.
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PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan
PET scans can measure brain activity and identify changes associated with Parkinson’s disease, providing valuable information in certain cases.
Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale is a standardized assessment tool evaluates the severity of Parkinson’s symptoms and tracks their progression.
In some cases, genetic testing may be performed, especially with a family history of early-onset Parkinson’s disease or atypical symptom onset.
Dopamine Transporter Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, Similar to DaTscan, this imaging technique assesses the dopamine system in the brain and aids in Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
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Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
Rarely, a lumbar puncture may be performed to analyze cerebrospinal fluid for specific biomarkers associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Improve balance and mobility with effective exercises for people with Parkinson’s disease. Explore our blog post: Balance Exercises for People with Parkinson’s Disease