Quote:
Originally Posted by SmittyZ3M
Laura,
Thank you very much for the reply.
Answers:
1. The current medications that she is taking, were obviously written down on the forms that were required to be filled out prior to seeing the neuro. She takes pain medication, as needed, calcium pills, and she was taking a pill for incontinence, which is also another PD symptom.
2. I am not sure if the neuro is a movement specialist.
3. I am not sure if the insurance would cover a PET scan. So, a PET scan is a specific brain scan which checks for dopamine levels? To my knowledge, all she has had thus far has been an MRI of the brain, as well as an MRI of the neck. The doctor has also requested to see the MRIs of her back, prior to the surgeries.
4. Interesting, I have never heard of this.
What are the typical steps that neuros take before formulating a firm diagnosis of PD?
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PD in the States is largely a clinical diagnosis meaning that the MDS looks for presence of 2 of 3 cardinal signs (bradykinesia, resting tremor, and rigidity). They take into account patient history as well. Once an MRI rules out any other abnormality depending on symptom history, age, etc. they then diagnose. Obviously, we need better diagnostic tools like a blood test or something. The PET scan is routinely used in diagnoses in Europe but not in the US, unsure of Canada. This means to get one, you may have to pay out of pocket, or it sounds like you have an unusual enough onset to have your insurance cover it. The neuro will issue a dopamine challenge by prescribing Sinemet to see if patient has relief from symptoms...this can be the deciding factor in a yes or no diagnosis. In other words, a positive response may likely mean PD.
Laura