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Parkinsonian Syndromes - introduction
Many conditions mimic Parkinsonian Syndromes, making diagnosis difficult throughout its course.[1] This is particularly true during earlier clinical stages when there are more subtle signs and symptoms.[2]
Common reasons for initial uncertainty in diagnosis of Parkinsonian syndromes include:[3]
-
- Mild intensity of signs
- Only one sign
- One sign with or without symmetry
- Two signs but no bradykinesia
- Atypical signs
- - Postural rather than rest tremor
- - Mild rigidity
- - Doubtful bradykinesia
- - Others
- Lack of progression over time
- Little or no response to l-dopa
Uncertainty in diagnosis can mean many patient management questions are left unanswered:
- Delay therapy?
- Initiate dopamine agonist?
- Disclose uncertain diagnosis?
- Conduct a levodopa challenge test?
1. Marshall V et al. Nuclear Med Comm 2006; 27: 933-937
2. Benamer HTS et al. Mov Disord 2003; 18: 977-84
3. Catafau A and Tolosa E. Mov Disord 2004; 19: 1175-82
4. DaTSCAN, Summary of Product Characteristics, GE Healthcare 2007
2. Benamer HTS et al. Mov Disord 2003; 18: 977-84
3. Catafau A and Tolosa E. Mov Disord 2004; 19: 1175-82
4. DaTSCAN, Summary of Product Characteristics, GE Healthcare 2007
