HOW TO DIAGNOSE PD IN EARLY STAGES?

[SufferingSocks]

I would like to know how Parkinson's Disease can be diagnosed in the early stages. I was diagnosed with an essential tremor a few weeks ago but now notice that I have had jerky movements of my legs during the night and my head moving from side to side while lying on my back, these occurring several times before I got to sleep.

[Juliegrace]

Short of a DatScan, I don't believe there is a way of diagnosing PD. The jerking could be Restless Leg Syndrome. Are you taking anything for the ET? Or for anything else that could be causing issues? Do you handle your husband's meds? Someone here reported that his wife had a significant reaction to handling his DA.

[SufferingSocks in reply to Juliegrace]

Hi Juliegrace - I am not taking anything yet for the essential tremor of the jaw. I agree that the jerking legs could be Restless Legs Syndrome. I do handle my husband's meds, that's an interesting thought. Thanks for your reply. Suffering Socks

[ronn]

SS, Our circumstances are similar. Near the end of our half-hour session ,I asked my doctor about my trembling hands. She checked her watch, glanced at my hands and diagnosed, "Essential tremons, It comes from celebrating too many birthdays." At the next visit , however she brought information, did some hand manipulation, checked my gait down the hallway and gave a positive diagnosis of PD.

Wishing you the best possible outcome........

[SufferingSocks in reply to ronn]

Thanks for your reply ronn. I do hope my symptoms are not PD. My doctor today gave me some tests and doesn't think it is but has referred me to a Neurologist so perhaps I will find out then. Suffering Socks

[park_bear]

Early Parkinson's is one sided. The symptoms you mention could occur with Parkinson's medication (dyskinesia) but are not typical of unmedicated early Parkinson's.

[SufferingSocks in reply to park_bear]

Thanks park_bear for your opinion. I hope to get an answer after I see a Neurologist, doctor referred me to one today.

[Danasr]

Go to amovement specialist...I was misdiagnosed with essential tremor in my leg & right hand for two years. It got a little worse to the point that it was disturbing my sleep. I saw a movement specialist and she dx me with Parkinson’s. Essential trmor is not a resting tremor; Parkinson’s is. Don’t wait go ASAP.

[SufferingSocks in reply to Danasr]

Hi Danasr - I forgot to mention that the essential tremor I was diagnosed with is in my jaw. The other tremors I felt when I was at rest. My doctor did a lot of tests on me and then referred me to a Neurologist. I hope to get a result from this. Suffering Socks.

[Danasr]

I wish you luck and hope that you get a good dx. The sooner you know what you’re dealing with, the quicker you can get the proper treatment.