Tests Diagnosis and Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

There is no single test that will diagnose Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis can be difficult for a doctor to arrive at, especially if the disease is in the early stage. Other diseases can mimic the same symptoms of Parkinson’s such as neurological disorders, dementia and supranuclear palsy all have some of the same symptoms.

Some people can develop symptoms of Parkinson’s when they take certain drugs but the symptoms are reversible when they stop taking the drugs. The drugs that can exhibit these symptoms are antipsychotic medications, and anti-nausea drugs.

Toxins such as carbon monoxide, and cyanide as well as other toxins can produce symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Head trauma especially repetitive trauma such as that which occurs to boxers have been linked to the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Individuals having a stroke may also have symptoms that mimic Parkinson’s.

Your doctor will diagnose Parkinson’s disease based on the medical history that you provide and a neurological examination. You will need to tell your doctor about any medications that you take and if there is any family history of Parkinson’s disease. A neurologist will conduct a neurological examination that will include your ability to walk and an evaluation of your coordination and hand tasks.

A doctor is more likely to make the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease if you have at least two of the three most common symptoms of the disease, which include tremors, slowing of motion and muscle rigidity.

The doctor will also look for onset of symptoms on only one side of the body and tremors that are more pronounced at rest, and if you respond to the Parkinson’s drug, levodopa. The doctor will also examine you for the existence of any other conditions that are sometimes accompanied by Parkinson’s such as depression, sleep difficulties, chewing or swallowing difficulties, urinary problems, constipation or sexual dysfunction.

Once the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease has been made the doctor will discuss treatment options with the patient. The most commonly used medications for Parkinson’s are levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO B inhibitors, catechol O-methyltransferase inhibitors, anticholinergics, and antivirals. Physical therapy is also usually part of the treatment plan to help improve mobility, range of motion and muscle tone. Physical therapy can also improve the gait and balance issues. A speech therapist is also a part of the treatment plan to help with swallowing and speaking.

Sometimes the doctor will recommend surgery such as deep brain stimulation.

The doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes that may have a positive affect on the Parkinson’s symptoms such as improving eating habits, exercising on a regular basis and improving safety issues around the house to help prevent falls.

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