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Hi Sonya, Unfortunately there are no generally available tests that conclusively make the diagnosis of PD. The clinical symptoms and signs and the history are essentially what are used. There is data on the PET scan being used to make the diagnosis but it is not routinely used except in research settings. There are a number of tests that are routinely done to rule out other conditions which may mimic PD some of which are more treatable and some are less. Those tests include serum copper, heavy metals, B-12, MRI scan + others. If your mother's neurologist is not certain of the diagnosis I would suggest that your mother be seen in a movement disorders clinic for a diagnostic evaluation. To Billy- our resident nihilist, Because the illness cannot be diagnosed by a lab test does not mean that it doesn't exist. Those of us with PD have clear evidence of loss of cells in our substantia nigra. Unfortunately to confirm the diagnosis the SN must be examined under a microscope at autopsy. It is like saying someone did not have pancreatic cancer in the pre-MRI days because we couldn't make the diagnosis without doing a laperotomy (exploratory surgery). Whether it was conclusively diagnosed or not- it killed its victims just as dead!!) Sonya Ingle wrote: > > Item Subject: cc:Mail Text > Hello: > > My mother has been taking medication for Parkinsons for at least > 3 > years now, however, she has never been tested and absolutely > confirmed > with Parkinsons. Recently, a neurologist told her she did not > display > symptoms of Parkinsons other than trembling in her right side. > > She has since quit taking her medication and says she does'nt > tremble > anymore than she did while taking the medication. > > Can anyone tell me what tests she should have to prove > conclusively > that she does or does not have Parkinsons? > > Thanks- > > Sonya Ingle -- ********************************************************** CHARLES T. MEYER, M.D. MADISON, WISCONSIN **********************************************************