Parkinson's Disease

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Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis & Tests

The health care provider may be able to diagnose Parkinson's disease based on the symptoms and physical examination. However, the symptoms may be difficult to assess, particularly in the elderly. For example, the tremor may not appear when the person is sitting quietly with arms in the lap. The posture changes may be similar to osteoporosis or other changes associated with aging. Lack of facial expression may be a sign of depression.

An examination may show "cogwheel" rigidity (the movements are jerky and stiff), tremors of the Parkinson's type, and difficulty initiating or completing voluntary movements. Reflexes are essentially normal.

Tests are not usually specific for Parkinson's, but they may be required to rule out other disorders that cause similar symptoms.