>Camilla Flintermann wrote:
>
>> Hi Drew--
>> are used to rule out other problems--PD is dxd clinically,
>
>That phrase lost me here...sorry. Clinically? And how many doctors
>should I see
>and what types?
>
Well, Drew-- others may add to this , but my understanding is that a
movement disorder specialist or neuro who is an expert and sees many PWPs,
makes a diagnosis by observing how you move and walk, testing the movement
of arms by bending up and down from the elbow to see if there is a
"ratcheting effect", having you do a series of things like toe taps,
touching fingers and thumb together,
checking posture, etc. All very "low tech"but diagnostic. With some PWPs
there is tremor, but not all have that. Weak voice, shrinking handwriting,
are also suggestive of PD. There are 6 or 8 "PD+ Syndromes" which are
similar to PD in some ways, but different in others, and do not respond
well to Sinemet.
In his book, Parkinson's Disease:A Guide for Patient and Family, 3rd
Edition, Dr . Roger Duvoisin mentions several factors in diagnosis, and
stresses the need to be sure that the diagnosis is not something else than
PD. Taking a history, listening to the patient's account of symptoms and
how they developed, is crucial. He also states that the exams such as CAT,
MRI, are helpful in ruling out other conditions which can mimic PD.
I strongly suggest, Drew, that you call the National PD Foundation
1-800-327-4545 and ask for their FREE set of excellent booklets which cover
many questions you will have. In the one called "What you and your family
should know" there is a clear, brief discussion of diagnosis, for example.
You---and any other PWP or CG who hasn't done so-- will be doing yourself a
favor by making use of this excellent resource. Of course, there are also
great resources in the PIEN archives and other websites. You don't have to
"reinvent the wheel"---there are resources available as a "gift "from
others who have gone this way ahead of you ! :-) Keep asking questions,
that's how we learn !
Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter 81/70/55
Oxford, Ohio
http://www.newcountry.nu/pd/members/camilla/one.htm
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"Ask me about the CARE list for
Caregivers of Parkinsonians ! "
