Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease is a complex, multi-phase process that demands clinical expertise, observation, and often, a good deal of patience. Unlike conditions confirmed with a single blood test or MRI, Parkinson’s disease presents subtle symptoms that must be carefully monitored over time.

In a recent expert discussion, Dr. Sharan Srinivasan, a leading stereotactic and functional neurosurgeon from PRS Neurosciences, emphasized the nuances of diagnosing this neurodegenerative disorder and the importance of relying on movement disorder specialists for accurate diagnosis and ongoing care.

Why Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease Is Not Simple

Parkinson’s disease, especially in its early stages, often mimics other neurological and motor disorders. Patients may experience:

• Minor tremors

• Muscle stiffness

• Slowed movements (bradykinesia)

• Subtle changes in posture or expression

These symptoms are not unique to Parkinson’s disease, which is why many patients are initially misdiagnosed with conditions like essential tremor, drug-induced Parkinsonism, or even normal aging.

Dr. Srinivasan notes that an accurate diagnosis requires more than imaging—it demands a deep understanding of movement disorder patterns, typically found in neurologists specialized in Parkinson's disease.

Step-by-Step Parkinson’s Diagnostic Process

1. Clinical Observation Over Time

The primary diagnostic tool is careful, longitudinal observation. A neurologist will assess how symptoms evolve, often over several months or years.

2. Symptom Differentiation

Distinguishing rest tremors (common in Parkinson’s) from action tremors (seen in essential tremor) is crucial. So is evaluating cognitive symptoms, balance, and response to medications.

3. Neuroimaging Tools

To rule out other conditions or support diagnosis, specialists may use:

• MRI scan – to exclude stroke, tumor, or structural causes

• FDOPA PET scan – to assess dopamine uptake in the brain, a key marker in Parkinson’s disease

• DaTscan (in some regions) – to visualize dopamine transporter activity

Note: These scans help support, not confirm, the diagnosis.

Caution: Don’t Self-Diagnose or Rush to Conclusions

Dr. Srinivasan cautions against drawing conclusions based on online content or minor symptoms. The path to a Parkinson’s diagnosis is not immediate. Jumping to conclusions or starting treatment prematurely can cause unnecessary stress and may even delay proper care.

Instead, he urges patients to:

• Consult a movement disorder neurologist early

• Document symptom changes

• Avoid self-medication

• Trust the diagnostic process

After Diagnosis: Understanding Disease Progression

For those who receive a confirmed Parkinson’s diagnosis, the next step is learning about the severity, progression, and treatment plan. Parkinson’s is highly individual—what works for one patient may not work for another.

Working closely with specialists allows for:

• Medication titration (e.g., levodopa or dopamine agonists)

• Lifestyle and physiotherapy integration

• Timely consideration of advanced therapies, such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Conclusion: Patience, Expertise, and Support Are Key

The journey to diagnosing Parkinson’s disease is not a sprint—it is a step-by-step clinical process guided by observation, testing, and professional judgment. With early intervention from a movement disorder neurologist, patients are better positioned to manage their condition effectively and maintain quality of life.

Dr. Sharan Srinivasan’s insights reinforce the importance of expert guidance, ongoing evaluation, and informed decision-making. Parkinson’s may not be curable, but with the right diagnosis and care strategy, it is highly manageable.