How Parkinson’s Disease Is Diagnosed?
There is no single diagnostic test for Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis for the condition of Parkinson’s disease is dependent on the physical examination, neurological examination, health history, as well as the review of symptoms a person is going through. In addition, there is no specific test just for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. [8]
Following are some tests to diagnose Parkinson’s disease:
Neurological examination
As there is no one definite method to diagnose the condition of Parkinson’s disease, but there are numerous diagnostic tests and symptoms which point in the direction of a proper diagnosis. However, it is quite difficult to make accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease at early stages of Parkinson’s disease but a professional practitioner can reach to as reasonable conclusion by looking at the neurological and motor symptoms. It is essential to keep in mind that almost two of the four main symptoms are a must to be present in a patient to declare Parkinson’s disease. A neurological exam considers Parkinson’s disease as a diagnosis for patients if they have at least two of the following symptoms:
- Slowness of movement known as bradykinesia
- Shaking or tremors
- Balance issues, possible falls, and postural instability
- Rigidity or stiffness of the trunk or limbs
A family physician often makes Parkinson’s disease diagnosis at first. A majority of the people seek an extra opinion from a specialized neurologist with specific training and experience in the treatment or assessment of Parkinson’s disease. A movement disorder specialist help in the detailed examination of people having mobility symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.