How is Parkinson's Diagnosed? - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

SamQKitty · 01-07-2002, 08:50 PM

My cousin has been having some motor problems for about two years. He's had weakness and dragging of leg on one side, occasional tremors in hand (on same side), along with loss of memory and poor concentration. He's been to many doctors (among them 3 neurologists) who have given him as many different opinions or, in some cases, no opinion. One doctor thought he might have PD, and another doctor said he had Parkinson-like symptoms. One doctor wanted to do a PET scan to rule out PD, another said he should have a SPECT scan.

My question is this: Is there any definitive test for Parkinson's? What are your thoughts on PET vs. SPECT scan? Given his symptoms, what kind of neurologist should he be seeing (or other doctor)? And is there any other information about PD we should have, even though he doesn't have a definitive diagnosis?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Pelicangirl · 01-07-2002, 10:46 PM

Hi SamQ

Right now, the only definitive diagnosis for PD is an autopsy. No matter how bad we may feel, I don't think any of us would opt for that route.

Your cousin should see a Movement Disorder Specialist, a doctor who specializes............well, you get the picture. Seriously, they are trained to recognize PD and other diseases that cause unwanted movements and can usually recognize them before a regular neurologist can. That's not to say a regular neurologist may not be able to recognize Parkinson's, but as far as treating it, the the MDSs are much more able.

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Pelicangirl (aka Ruth)

SamQKitty · 01-08-2002, 12:23 AM

What a coincidence, Pelican Girl...my real name is Ruth, too!

Thanks for response. Actually, my cousin has already seen a movement disorder specialist. He's seen so many neurologists that I can't remember which one told him what. Will check with him again and see what latest status is. Do you know anything about PET scans versus SPECT scans? One doctor said a PET would show PD, the other said a SPECT would be better. They're hard to schedule around here, so he wants to find out which might be more definitive before he goes through the hassle of getting it scheduled and okayed by his insurance company.

Thanks again for the response.

Pelicangirl · 01-08-2002, 08:20 AM

Hi SamQ (Ruth)

I'm sorry, I don't know anything about PET scans or SPECT scans, except I do remember reading something about one of them showing possible PD. Anyone else out there able to help with this one?

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Pelicangirl (aka Ruth)

Lory · 01-08-2002, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SamQKitty:
My cousin has been having some motor problems for about two years. He's had weakness and dragging of leg on one side, occasional tremors in hand (on same side), along with loss of memory and poor concentration. He's been to many doctors (among them 3 neurologists) who have given him as many different opinions or, in some cases, no opinion. One doctor thought he might have PD, and another doctor said he had Parkinson-like symptoms. One doctor wanted to do a PET scan to rule out PD, another said he should have a SPECT scan.

My question is this: Is there any definitive test for Parkinson's? What are your thoughts on PET vs. SPECT scan? Given his symptoms, what kind of neurologist should he be seeing (or other doctor)? And is there any other information about PD we should have, even though he doesn't have a definitive diagnosis?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi, SamQ-, well the only thing I find so far is PET is positron emission tomography, and SPECT is single positron emission computer tomography. But, you have my curiosity up, so will investigate further. Lory