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Chronic disorders of cerebral circulation, stroke, consequences of head injuries or infectious diseases – Parkinson’s disease is often confused with these conditions. Similar symptoms make it difficult to diagnose “trembling paralysis” and start treatment of the disease in the early stages. Are there effective methods for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease? Which symptoms are the alarming? And where it is better to go through the diagnosis? Read in today’s MediGlobus article.
READ IN ARTICLE:
First 10 signs of Parkinson’s disease
MRI Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
PET Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
SPECT Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
Clinics for diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
EARLY DIAGNOSTICS OF PARKINSON: FIRST 10 SYMPTOMS OF DISEASE
1. Experiencing tremor.
A slight trembling of fingers, hands or chin in rest is most often the first symptoms of the disease. A small tremor in stressful situations is not considered as sign of parkinson’s disease.
2. Change in the handwriting.
A small illegible handwriting and a decrease in letters to the end of the line, micrography which is an alarm signal and one of the hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease.
3. Lost sense of smell.
Favorite coffee and ripe bananas no longer exude the former flavor? Take another firm? No, go to the neurologist. Loss of odor is a characteristic symptom of the disease (in the absence of cold).
4. It is difficult to walk.
The legs seem to be attached to the floor, hands do not move when walking, there is pain in the shoulder or thigh? In the absence of injuries and arthritis, these signs also indicate that it’s time to make an appointment with a neurologist.
5. Constipation started.
A balanced diet, an active lifestyle, but suddenly problems started with bowel movement and constipation became a part of life? Go to a specialist.
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6. The voice became muffled.
Quiet, monotonous, trembling speech instead of loud and energetic? About 80% of patients with Parkinson’s disease have similar voice changes.
7. The facial expression has changed.
The person remains serious and indifferent even in ridiculous situations? If the emotions are no longer displayed on the face, this is a reason to go to the neurologist for an examination.
8. Frequent dizziness.
The change in body position was accompanied by darkening in the eyes, dizziness or even fainting – these are some of the typical symptoms of trembling paralysis (in the absence of chronic hypotension).
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9. There is stoop.
Constantly bent position of the body may indicate the onset of Parkinson’s disease.
10. Problems with sleep started.
Involuntary sleep movements and regular insomnia are also early symptoms of the disease.
METHODS OF DIAGNOSTICS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE
MRI DIAGNOSTICS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE
One of the first stages of establishing an accurate diagnosis is the exclusion of other diseases, in particular, stroke or neoplasms of the brain. For successful implementation of this task, the specialists prescribe an MRI procedure.
MRI or Magnetic resonance imaging is the safest and most effective method for diagnosing brain conditions. It allows you to detect the slightest pathology in its work, as well as tumors with a size of 2 mm.
With the help of this study, specialists are able to observe and evaluate structural abnormalities in the brain along with analysis of its functions.
MRI also allows to track pathological foci hidden behind the bone tissue and invisible to other diagnostic methods.
For the diagnosis of cerebral vascular pathology during the MRI, a special contrast substance is used, which makes it possible to obtain a complex picture of individual vessels and the condition of surrounding tissues.
PET DIAGNOSTICS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a method of radionuclide diagnostics that can detect even the slightest structural changes in the brain.
During the PET study of the brain of patient with Parkinson’s disease, specialists use fluorodeoxyglucose 18 F, which makes it possible to “illuminate” the brain areas active at the time of the procedure.
The substance L-Dopa (levodopa) is also used for the diagnosis of the disease , which is labeled with radioactive fluoride. Levodopa is used to treat Parkinson’s disease, and when used in the PET diagnostic process, it can detect deficiency of dopamine, which is the cause of the disease.
SPECT DIAGNOSTICS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) makes it possible to exclude other neurological diseases with similar symptoms. In 97% of cases SPECT diagnostics distinguish Parkinson’s disease from other diseases..
SPECT diagnostics provide a detailed 3D image of the brain, detecting dysfunction dopamine neurons. Reduction in the production of dopamine is one of the defining criteria for Parkinson’s disease.
WHERE DOES THE BEST DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE PERFORMED?
Patients usually prefer to go to developed countries in medicine for their diagnostics and treatment.
The leading clinics of Israel, Germany and Turkey where effective diagnostics & treatment of the disease with the help of advanced methods and advanced technologies is conducted.
After the treatment of the disease abroad, the trembling of the limbs disappears in the patients, the control over movements, speech, facial expression regains and sleep improves.
To date, Parkinson’s disease can not be cured completely, but experienced world-class specialists, the new generation of medical equipment and advanced treatment protocols can completely eliminate its symptoms and return patients to their normal life.
For detailed information on innovative methods of Parkinson’s disease treatment abroad, selection of an accessible clinic and a useful package of medical services – contact MediGlobus medical coordinators right now.
