Due to
the complexity of the condition there is no simple or accessible diagnostic test
for Parkinson’s, such as an X-ray or blood test. A clinical diagnosis is
always required, which relies on an expert’s clinical assessment.
Parkinson’s is difficult to diagnose
as it can present itself in many different ways, especially in the early stages
when signs and symptoms are subtle. Therefore the use of established diagnostic
tools that detect the loss of dopamine in the brain may be useful and can help
to reduce misdiagnosis. DaTSCAN is one such tool that has been shown to
differentiate between Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s in the majority of
cases. It can identify a loss of dopamine – a chemical known to be
depleted in the brain of someone with Parkinson’s - from those who have no
loss.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
are rarely used for diagnosing Parkinson’s since an MRI of a parkinsonian brain
generally looks normal. But MRI can help to differentiate between
Parkinson’s and other types of parkinsonism for example Multiple System Atrophy
and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
It is
therefore essential that specialist advice is made available to people as soon
as the early signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s are detected so that treatment
options can be explored. As each person is different it may take several visits
to your doctor or specialist at regular intervals to carefully monitor any change
or emergence of new symptoms before a diagnosis can be confirmed.
