In the early stages, it can be difficult to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. The early symptoms of the disease can come and go. You might think you are just stiff or having cramps. Or, you might think that this is just part of the aging process. But if the symptoms keep on coming back, you will eventually go to the doctor. He may tell you that it may take more time before he can make a definite diagnosis. This can lead to much anxiety, of course.
If you think you might have Parkinson’s disease, below are some things to keep in mind, especially if your doctor has not yet diagnosed you. Remember, diagnosing PD can be hard, even for a highly trained neurologist:
- There are no blood tests or lab tests that can diagnose the disease for certain. It is usually diagnosed based upon medical history, a clinical exam and symptoms.
- Four typical signs of PD are rigidity, slow movement, tremors and postural instability. If you are experiencing these symptoms, especially if they began on one side of the body, your doctor may diagnose you with the disorder.
Note that even if you have three classic symptoms of PD, you still may not have it! To decrease the chance that you will be misdiagnosed, your doctor may have you take several drugs that treat Parkinson’s such as levodopa. If your symptoms get better when you take the drug, you probably have PD. If you do not get better after a period of levodopa therapy, your tremors may be due to another cause.
At this time, your doctor may have you tested further, including brain scans. Remember these things about such tests:
- MRIs and CT scans cannot diagnose the disease, but they can help to rule out other problems that may cause your symptoms.
- PET scans or SPECT scans can see the levels of dopamine in your brain and can be useful in the diagnosis of PD. But these tests are quite expensive and are not available in all areas of the country.
PD and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
The symptoms of tremor, rigidity, and slow movement are known as ‘parkinsonism,’ but not all people who have these symptoms really have PD. All of these signs can be present in several other diseases, such as PSP.
If you and your doctor are having trouble diagnosing what is causing your symptoms, it is a good idea to list all the symptoms you noticed and when you first noticed them. Ask your family and friends for their opinions and when they first saw your symptoms. Ask if your personality and moods have changed. This information should be shared with your doctor. With that additional information, your doctor may be able to make a diagnosis.
Writing Aids for Parkinson’s and Other Diseases
If you are having tremors and other classic Parkinson’s symptoms, writing may become difficult. The good news is that there are many products available to make writing easier. One is the Thomas Steady Arm, which is a writing aid and arm support that makes writing easier by minimizing tremors. Another is the Pen and Pencil Weights Set of 6. A heavier pen or pencil can make the writing process easier as well.
