Could it be PD? - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

lovethoscurls · 05-03-2006, 12:39 PM

My grandmother is in the hospital, I have been her primary caregiver and have noticed many changes over the last few months. She seen a neurologist yesterday who said he doesn't think it is PD. I then decided to check it out on the web. She has EVERY symptom it shows. Tremors, shaking, doesn't move around well, very slow, shuffles when she walks, depression, muffled speech, stiff facial expression (this one has become a lot worse, she never has any facial expression even if she is laughing), her hand writing that used to be gorgeous is now small and sloppy, when she can even write due to the shaking. If there is no test to dx PD how is he so sure that isn't what it is if she has all the symptoms? He said he believes it is caused from her heart, the heart dr thinks it is from depression. Do you think we should push the issue with the neurologist, or maybe get a second opinion? Or should we believe he knows what he is talking about from a 10 minute consultation in a hospital room. It is the first time he has ever seen her. Can he say after 10 minutes that it isn't PD?

Any advice on this would be wonderful!

Willapp · 05-04-2006, 03:19 AM

He could have made a rush decision and got it wrong. Because there are no concrete tests to prove PD, it is largely up to the Neurologist to use their experience and expertise to make a judgement call. A second opinion isn't going to do any harm, and it might help put your mind at rest - if the second neuro agrees that it isn't PD, then question why he doesn't - you've every right to know his reasoning and question his decision if you feel it might not be right. Doctors are only human, and unfortunately prone to making mistakes occasionally, so it's really up to you to ensure that every possibility is considered fully, for the sake of your grandmother's health.

Good luck

lovethoscurls · 05-04-2006, 07:19 AM

Thanks! I will look into getting a second opinion.

PT6 · 06-27-2006, 03:37 PM

The diagnosis of PD can be difficult. There are at least 26 other disorders that have similar symptoms to PD. It is important for the neurologist to make a differential diagnosis considering the other possibilities. Some of the other disorders are treatable and some are not. Did the neurologist recommend other tests to determine what is happening or dids/he just say that it is not PD and leave it at that. If s/he dropped the case you should seek another opinion.