New Image Scan Helps Correctly Identify Parkinson's Disease

Copied from The Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation Weekly News Update

wisn.com - New medical advancements are making tests for Parkinson's disease more reliable.

More than one million Americans are currently living with Parkinson's. The condition causes tremors, balance problems and speech issues.

Doctors often use physical examines to test for it, but 40 percent of Parkinson's patients are undiagnosed, and at least 10 percent who are diagnosed don't really have it.

A new image test called DaTscan is giving doctors a better chance of getting it right.

Doctors inject patients with a tracer then scan the brain for dopamine -- a chemical that Parkinson's patients lack.
"This is a game-changer. It's going to lead to earlier diagnosis and clearer diagnosis for patients with tremor," said Dr. Louise Thomson of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

An earlier diagnosis means patients can start treatments sooner and potentially slow down symptom development.

There is some debate about the effectiveness of DaTscan.

Some doctors said a negative test does not provide enough evidence to rule out Parkinson's completely.

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