Who Can Diagnose Parkinson's Disease and How?

In earlier articles, we have seen the Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease (PD) as well as some guidelines on When To Seek A Parkinson's Diagnosis. In this article, let us understand who is qualified to diagnose Parkinson's and what measures they use to do so.

Most current understanding of this disease says that for a person to be diagnosed as Parkinson's Disease affected, the person must have these (according to the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS)) :

• Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) AND one or more of the following

• Shaking or tremors in a limb that occur while at rest

• Stiffness, rigidity of arms, legs, or trunk

• Trouble with balance and falls

Even though your loved one may be experiencing the above, it is best to get them diagnosed, so that proper treatment and other lifestyle measures can be employed and a better understanding of the way forward is sought. Click here to find out more about the process of Parkinson's diagnosis. In addition, appropriate lifestyle changes and medications can slow the progression of Parkinson's Disease. Also, be aware that some symptoms that look like Parkinson's could also be caused by other medical conditions.

Whom do you approach?

credits: iStock (FatCamera)

If symptoms are noticed over weeks, then the first doctor you could see is your family physician. They would ideally refer you to a neurologist. Depending on where you are based, you may have to consult a neurologist who is further specialized in ‘movement disorders’.

How is Parkinson's Disease diagnosed?

Note that there is no specific lab test or imaging test that can conclusively diagnose Parkinson's Disease. This means that the diagnosis is made ‘clinically’ - through a detailed assessment of the symptoms by a neurologist. For example, there could be some simple questions such as:

• Are you having trouble with buttoning or dressing?

• Do you see any changes in your handwriting?

• Do you have trouble brushing your teeth?

  
  

  Click here to read more about the diagnosis.

Steps for a Physician for Parkinson's Testing-

1. Take the person’s medical and family history

2. Lifestyle factors that may impact the condition

3. Current and past medications

4. Do a physical examination which would centre around :

5. Agility of arms and legs

6. Any impact on expression and speech

7. Tremor in your extremities at rest or in action

8. Any stiffness in your extremities or neck

9. Person’s walking - step size, and ability to turn

10. Ability to maintain balance and examine your posture

Are there specific tests?

MRI scan (credits: iStock Mr. Suphachai Praserdumrongchai)

While there is no conclusive test so far, certain tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain (MRI brain), a Dopamine Transporter scan (DaT scan), or blood work can be used. MRI looks at the structure of the brain, whereas DaT scan looks at the function of the brain (as the name suggests).

It’s important to note that sometimes none of these tests may be ordered if the neurologist feels confident in their diagnosis through a thorough clinical assessment.

Note To The Reader

The process of a Parkinson's diagnosis is lengthy, as it requires more than one visit to the physician, but on a positive note, it does not involve too many tests.

A proper diagnosis is key to the management of Parkinson's Disease in the ensuing months and years.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with the disease, feel free to contact us or read more about WALK to step into a better life with Parkinson's.