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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

No tests exist to diagnose Parkinson's disease. Your doctor will diagnose Parkinson's disease based on your medical history, a review of your signs and symptoms, and a neurological and physical examination. Your doctor sometimes may order tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

In addition to your examination, your doctor may give you carbidopa-levodopa, the most effective Parkinson's disease medication. Significant improvement with this medication often will confirm your diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. You must be given a sufficient dose to show the benefit, as low doses for a day or two aren't reliable.

Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment

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References
  1. Parkinson's disease: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/detail_parkinsons_disease.htm. Accessed Feb. 13, 2012.
  2. Parkinson's disease. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec16/ch221/ch221g.html. Accessed Feb. 13, 2012.
  3. Chou KL. Clinical manifestations of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 20, 2012.
  4. Jankovic J. Etiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 22, 2012.
  5. Chou KL. Diagnosis of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 13, 2012.
  6. Tarsy D. Pharmacological treatment of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 13, 2012.
  7. Tarsy D. Surgical treatment of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 20, 2012.
  8. Ahlskog JE. Does vigorous exercise have a neuroprotective effect in Parkinson disease? Neurology. 2011;77:288.
  9. Tarsy D. Nonpharmacologic management of Parkinson disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 24, 2012.
  10. Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-2/0/1494/0.html. Accessed Feb. 24, 2012.
  11. Parkinson's disease: Fitness counts. National Parkinson Foundation. http://www.parkinson.org/Search-Pages/Search.aspx?pKeywords=fitness. Accessed Feb. 24, 2012.
  12. Parkinson's disease. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed April 1, 2010.
  13. Complementary therapies and Parkinson's disease. National Parkinson Foundation. http://www.parkinson.org/Search-Pages/Search.aspx?pKeywords=complementary%20therapy. Accessed Feb. 24, 2012.
  14. Ahlskog, JE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 1, 2012.
DS00295 May 11, 2012

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