Diagnosing Parkinson's Disease

How is Parkinson's Disease Diagnosed?

There are no laboratory or blood tests for Parkinson's disease.^[1][2] Instead, diagnosis is based on medical history and a neurological exam. This may be done by either a general practitioner or a neurologist. During this exam, the doctor will evaluate your emotional state, balance, coordination, vision, and movement. You may be asked about your mood and well-being, or be required to answer a series of simple questions.^[5] You will also need to perform a few simple physical tasks. The doctor will look for key Parkinson's symptoms such as one-sided dysfunction, rigidity in the spine, tremors, and the inability to maintain a balanced posture if pulled to one side.^[6]

Based on the findings from this exam, the doctor may be able to provide a diagnosis. However, it can be a difficult disease to diagnose, especially since early symptoms are hard to detect. Brain scans appear normal in people with Parkinson's disease. The doctor may require time to decide someone has the disease. Several other brain disorders resemble Parkinson's disease making it harder to diagnose. These other disorders are referred to as "parkinsonism." Some of these disorders are caused by other diseases, exposure to toxic substances or certain drugs prescribed for psychiatric disorders. Some result from severe or repeated injury to the head. Boxers can have this form of parkinsonism.