Question

What is the diagnosis of parkinsons disease?

Answer 1

Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease:

• There is no specific test to rule out parkinsons disease.
• It can be diagnosed by reviewing medical history, family history, physical examination, and assessing signs and symptoms.
• Review of the medical history of any pre-existing condition, intake of drugs, exposure to chemicals, and genetic factors that increases the risk of Parkinson's disease.
• On physical examination, the physician assesses the motor function and movement. Coordination while walking, balance and gait level, ability to do simple hand task, and muscle tone.
• The neurologist assesses the symptoms of tremor or shaking, lack of coordination, slowness of movement, stiffness of arms and legs, increased risk of falls.
• MRI or CT scan helps to know the function of cells of brain and to detect the signs for tumor or stroke.
• PET scan to detect the level of dopamine.
• DAT and SPECT to assess the dopamine transporter level.
• The final diagnosis of PD is based on the number of symptoms present, probability of patient to get PD, age, and scan results.