Jodi Knapp

The Parkinson’s Protocol™ By Jodi Knapp Parkinson’s disease cannot be eliminated completely but its symptoms can be reduced, damages can be repaired and its progression can be delayed considerably by using various simple and natural things. In this eBook, a natural program to treat Parkinson’s disease is provided online. it includes 12 easy steps to repair your body and reduce the symptoms of this disease. The creator of this program has divided into four segments to cover a complete plan to treat this disease along with improving your health and life by knowing everything about this health problem. The main focus of this program is on boosting the levels of hormone in your brain by making e a few easy changes in your lifestyle, diet, and thoughts

How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?

Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed primarily through clinical evaluation, as there is no definitive test for the disease. The diagnosis is based on a combination of medical history, neurological examination, and response to Parkinson’s medications. Here’s an overview of the diagnostic process:

1. Medical History

• Symptom Review: The doctor will ask about the symptoms you are experiencing, including when they started, how they have progressed, and any impact on daily activities.
• Family History: A detailed family history may be taken to determine if there is a history of Parkinson’s disease or other neurological disorders in the family.
• Medication History: The doctor will review any medications you are taking to rule out drug-induced parkinsonism, a condition that can mimic Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

2. Neurological Examination

• Motor Function Tests: The neurologist will perform a series of tests to assess your motor functions, including your ability to walk, balance, and perform repetitive hand movements. They will observe for tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, and postural instability.
• Reflexes and Muscle Tone: Your reflexes and muscle tone will be checked to look for signs of rigidity or stiffness.
• Cognitive and Memory Tests: Cognitive function may also be evaluated, especially in later stages of the disease.

3. Response to Parkinson’s Medications

• Levodopa Challenge Test: Sometimes, doctors may prescribe a trial of levodopa, the most common Parkinson’s medication, to see if symptoms improve. A significant improvement in motor symptoms after taking levodopa strongly supports a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

4. Imaging Tests

Although no imaging test can definitively diagnose Parkinson’s disease, certain tests can help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI can help exclude other neurological disorders, such as stroke or brain tumors, that could cause Parkinson-like symptoms.
• DAT Scan (Dopamine Transporter Scan): A DAT scan is a specialized imaging test that can help detect the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, supporting a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. However, it is not routinely used and is typically reserved for complex cases.

5. Laboratory Tests

• Blood Tests: These are generally used to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies.

6. Diagnostic Criteria

• UK Parkinson’s Disease Society Brain Bank Criteria: Neurologists often use these criteria to diagnose Parkinson’s. The criteria include the presence of bradykinesia and at least one of the following: resting tremor, rigidity, or postural instability.

7. Differential Diagnosis

• Ruling Out Other Conditions: Conditions such as essential tremor, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, and drug-induced parkinsonism can present with similar symptoms. The doctor will differentiate these conditions based on the clinical features and test results.

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic: Parkinson’s Disease – Diagnosis
• Parkinson’s Foundation: How is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed?
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Parkinson’s Disease Information

In summary, Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical evaluation, response to medication, and the exclusion of other conditions, rather than through a single test.