Hi,

First, we don't have any definitive test for Parkinson's or Parkinsonism. It is primarily done by clinical diagnosis with tests such as finger tapping, watching walk for reduced arm swing, etc. Hardly scientific, but it's the standard. PET or SPECT scans can be done to check dopa levels in the brain, but is mainly reserved for research; in fact, most insurance plans will not cover it. Early Parkinsonsim resembles other neuro disorders, so it is difficult for neuros to pinpoint exactly what is going on. Most of us in the States go through a general neuro battery and history in the office, undergo an MRI to rule out anything else, and if we show 2 of 3 cardinal signs...we have PD.
Well, really no one knows for sure that we have it until an autopsy is performed and we end up with something called Lewey Bodies in our brains.

Often, since everthing is so scientific and exact with our diagnostic process , a neuro will have the patient undergo a Sinemet (aka levodopa) challenge as a confirmation. That seems to be the clincher if you do have it your body responds and if not...?? Keep in mind there are other rare things that half-heartedly respond to levodopa.

Is your neurologist also a Movement Disorder Specialist? You may want to follow up and see one if not as they are better trained at discerning between any other oddball neruromuscular thing we may get.

Hope this helps a little,

Laura

P.S. Not sure that it was suggested but I find taking the med with a few crackers (try to limit protein as it interferes with drug absorption) instead of on an empty stomach.