Tests & Treatments for Parkinson Disease at University of Colorado Hospital

Tests for Parkinson Disease

A doctor will review your medical history and symptoms. There is no diagnostic test for Parkinson disease. A diagnosis will be made based on a thorough neurological exam and discussion of symptoms. Standard criteria are used to determine a diagnosis for Parkinson disease. Parkinson disease cannot be diagnosed by a scan of the brain or laboratory test. 

Treatments for Parkinson Disease

Medications

There are a wide variety of medications used to treat Parkinson disease, each with varying side effects. Medications are usually started when symptoms become bothersome.

Surgery

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgery that is performed to block abnormal nerve signals that cause symptoms such as tremors.

Lifestyle Modifications

A healthy diet and 30 minutes of daily physical activity are recommended to help the symptoms of Parkinson disease.