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Test to Detect Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a disease that causes a deterioration of the central nervous system. There are no laboratory tests that can be given to confirm the presence of Parkinson's disease, so doctors rely on neurological tests and laboratory tests that rule out other conditions.

  1. Blood Tests

    • According to Guardian.Co.UK, if you are a younger patient suspected of having Parkinson's disease, you may be given blood tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms and can be detected with a blood test.

    Movement Tests

    • The University of Maryland outlines the movement tests that may be given to a patient during a neurological examination. The patient is asked to stand up, sit down and walk around the room. Slow and deliberate movements could indicate Parkinson's disease.

    Tremors

    • Helpguide.org suggests that a physician looking for Parkinson's disease will also look for tremors. The doctor asks the patient to remain seated and observes for trembling of the hands or arms. Tremors that occur while the person is at rest could indicate Parkinson's disease.

    Posture

    • According to Health-Cares.net, another test for Parkinson's disease is to ask people to stand as straight as they can in the middle of the room with someone in attendance in case of a fall. Stooped posture and poor balance during standing are Parkinson's symptoms.

    Misconceptions

    • It is sometimes thought that a CT scan or an MRI can show abnormalities in the brain that can lead to Parkinson's disease. However, according to the University of Maryland, the brain of a person who has Parkinson's disease will look normal on these scans.

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