Parkinson's disease diagnosis

Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition that affects a person's movement and balance. The diagnostic process is carried out on an outpatient basis for several days. First, the doctor will ask about your medical history, including any symptoms and any family history of Parkinson's disease. Your medical records will be reviewed to gather more information about your health and potential risk factors. Then, the doctor will perform a physical exam to check for signs such as tremors, stiffness, or balance issues. Next, a neurologist will examine your nervous system to assess your movement, reflexes, and coordination and provide expert opinions. Several additional tests will be conducted. Standard lab tests rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. The levodopa test involves giving you a dose of the medication to see if your symptoms improve. A positive response can help confirm the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. MRI scan of the brain helps to check for any abnormalities in your brain. In addition, SPECT scan may also be recommended to get more detailed information about your brain's dopamine levels. Once the diagnosis is confirmed or ruled out, you will receive further recommendations for your condition and available treatment options.