Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease can be diagnosed through clinical symptoms, physical examination, and auxiliary tests. It is recommended that patients promptly seek medical attention, undergo relevant examinations under the guidance of a doctor, and actively cooperate with treatment.

I. Clinical Symptoms

Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder, often associated with genetic factors or potentially triggered by environmental factors. Degeneration of substantia nigra cells leads to neuronal damage, affecting dopamine secretion in the brain, resulting in resting tremors such as hand shaking. Additionally, it is accompanied by increased muscle tension, posture and balance disorders.

II. Physical Examination

During physical examination, doctors observe the patient's facial expressions for rigidity and lack of animation, assess limb movement for stiffness or rigidity (cogwheel rigidity or lead-pipe rigidity), gait for hurriedness or small shuffling steps, and speech for articulation difficulties or low volume. These observations provide initial indications of Parkinson's disease.

III. Auxiliary Tests

1. EEG (Electroencephalography): Parkinson's disease patients exhibit abnormal high-frequency rhythms in the brain, justifying EEG examination.

2. CT Scan: Reveals brain atrophy, particularly pronounced in the caudate nucleus, and may detect high-density calcifications in the basal ganglia.

3. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Demonstrates signal changes in the globus pallidus, thalamus, and substantia nigra, with the appearance of Lewy bodies in later stages.

4. PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography): Shows reduced metabolism, such as decreased dopamine metabolism in the striatum and increased acetylcholine metabolism, along with metabolic changes in other brain regions.

Apart from these methods, blood tests and genetic testing can also aid in diagnosis. If Parkinson's disease is confirmed, treatment may involve medications like levodopa and amantadine hydrochloride under medical supervision. Surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation may also be considered when necessary.