Understanding Parkinson’s disease

There are no specific tests used to aid in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a correct diagnosis relies on two out of three major signs being met. The three major signs of Parkinson’s are, tremor of limbs while resting, rigidity in the muscles and bradykinesia.

Other factors will also be taken into account such as the absence of secondary causes such as multiple small strokes and antipsychotic medication. Of the three conditions those suffering from Parkinson’s are usually more generally aware of tremor and bradykinesia.

In order to make a correct diagnosis the doctor will perform a neurological examination which is of a set standard. This examination will involve a variety of simple tests based on reactions, reflexes and movement.

The simple tests involve

• Testing for bradykinesia is determined by how quickly the person can tap their finger and thumb together or stamp their foot on the ground.
• Tremor is diagnosed by simple inspection of the hands at rest.
• Rigidity is testing by turning the patients neck, upper limbs and lower limbs while the patient is in a relaxed position.

Postural instability is tested by performing a pull test on the patient, during this test the patient will stand in front of the doctor and they will then ask the patient to try and maintain their balance while being pulled backwards towards the doctor. The pull will be made briskly in order to access the patient’s ability to recover, while of course making sure that the patient is actually prevented from falling.

The examination will take into account of course the full medical history of the patient, with care being taken for exposure to medications that could block the dopamine function of the brain. There are several other drugs which can have the same properties and your doctor will always ask for a full history of any medications you are not only currently taking but also those which the patient has taken in past years.

It is worthwhile mentioning that there are several other conditions which give very similar symptoms to Parkinson’s disease and which can sometimes be mistakenly diagnosed as Parkinson’s.

These include

• Essential tremor – the only symptom present in this disease is tremor.
• Progressive supraneuclear palsy – this disease is often characterized by the inability to look downward .
• Multiple system atrophy – this disease is characterized by prominent autonomic symptoms.
• Vascular parkinsonism – this is caused by the person having multiple small strokes.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Manganese poisoning.
• Certain pesticides.