Parkinson's Disease Treatment

There isn't a specific test to diagnose Parkinson's disease. A doctor trained in nervous system conditions (neurologist) 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 may suggest a specific single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan called a dopamine transporter (DAT) scan. Although this can help support the suspicion that you have Parkinson's disease, it is your symptoms and neurological examination that ultimately determine the correct diagnosis. Most people do not require a DAT scan.

Your health care provider may order lab tests, such as blood tests, to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.